O’Donnell to Blyth in a loan deal
GATESHEAD fans’ favourite JJ O’Donnell has been allowed to join arch-rivals Blyth Spartans on loan for the rest of the season, writs JEFF BOWRON.
The Heed’s longest-serving player has -struggled for game time this season.
The 29-year-old, who has played more than 100 games for Gateshead and is in his seventh season, however, provided cover at left-back.
Neither O’Donnell or another Heed loanee at Blyth, Paul Blackett, are able to play against their parent club over Christmas.
That unpopular decision to farm out O’Donnell was tempered by Fleetwood Town striker Ged Garner’s loan spell being extended.
The 22-year-old forward will now remain on Tyneside into next year.
Only goalkeeper James Montgomery, meanwhile, missed today’s National League trip to Leamington.
The Wearsider could be available for the festive fixtures but his absence has not been felt so far.
Rookie shotstopper Harrison Male has stepped up to the plate, letting in only two goals in his first three games.
The Leeds United trainee and former England youth international has not been overworked due to a solid defence in front of him.
What he has had to do, including a crucial injury-time block at Chester last week, he has done well.
That ensured his side picked up all three points at the Deva Stadium rather than just the one.
The 20-year-old has impressed the Heed hierarchy, assistant manager Ian Watson saying: “Harrison has come in and done very well and we are confident with him in goal as well.
“Everyone is training at the moment apart from Monty, so it is really competitive.”