Loan switch is ideal for Isaac
DERBY County midfielder Isaac Hutchinson has joined League Two side Forest Green Rovers on loan for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old joined the Rams’ Under-23 squad on a two-year deal from Southend United in October.
He made 40 first-team appearances in total, scoring two goals, for Southend.
Hutchinson progressed through the youth ranks with Brighton & Hove Albion before signing for Southend in 2016.
He made his first-team debut for Derby in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Chorley at Victory Park – one of 14 youngsters who made their debuts.
His fine pass set up a chance for Cameron Cresswell in the opening minutes of the tie, which Derby lost 2-0.
Hutchinson is looking forward to the chance to play regularly.
“I’m really excited. As soon as I heard of the opportunity to join the club, I was buzzing to get the move done,” he told the Forest Green club website.
“I spoke to the head coach and loved everything that he had to say. In the under-23s league, you don’t get to play week in, week out, so I am really excited to start playing regularly.”
Forest Green director of football Rich Hughes said: “Isaac has some great experience playing regular League One football and he is truly a modern day number eight. He has the ability to drive forward and take the lead on attacks.
“It’s always difficult to fill the void left by a player like Carl Winchester but we are excited to see what Isaac can bring to the side.”