Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has said that he hopes Ryan Edmondson will benefit from his loan spell at Northampton Town but claims it is a step backwards for him.

The young forward has not been able to force his way into the Leeds United first team as yet and so, with that said, it has made sense for him to head out on various loans.

He was at Aberdeen in the first half of this campaign where he got a couple of goals and assists and Whelan feels that he should have been looking to play at a similar level during his next loan, with him claiming that League One is a 'step backwards.'

Quoted by Football Insider, he said:

“Look, I mean it’s a step backwards when you look at the level, absolutely, because he was in the Scottish Premiership at a very good, competitive side in Aberdeen.

“Unfortunately, right now, he’s got this [Northampton] opportunity and in my opinion, he probably will be playing week in, week out and I think he needs that.

“That’s something that he desperately needs and wants to have, that start in every single game, in the first XI, playing regularly, getting that confidence up in his own ability, but it’s up to him to make it work and to make it count.

“I do feel that he’s good enough to go up there and get goals, absolutely, and if he’s playing regularly then, if you give him the service, we’ve seen in the Under-23s and his time up in Aberdeen, when he’s got the opportunity, he’ll put the ball in the back of the net.

“I think right now, until the end of the season, he has got to be playing 90 minutes to progress his career.”

The Verdict

The Scottish Premiership obviously boasts good sides like Rangers and Celtic but some of the teams probably aren't much better than those in League One and so Whelan's bold comments are going to spark debate.

What is crucial for Edmondson is that he plays regular football for Northampton and he should get that at a level where he will feel he can really progress and score some goals.

Do that, and it'll have been a beneficial move for him despite Whelan's evident concerns at the moment.