One in, one out
Thursday, 28th Feb 2008 11:55

Leeds have recruited one young left-back today, while sending another one out on loan. And Dougie Freedman could also be on his way to Elland Road.

Aston Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran has joined Leeds on a month's loan from, and he is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Swindon Town. The 20-year-old centre-back has been capped twice by the Republic of Ireland – both caps earned while our assistant manager Steve Staunton was in charge of Eire's national side – and he made one appearance while on loan at Southampton earlier this season.

He also made 14 appearances for Wycombe Wanderers during a temporary stay at Adams Park last season. O'Halloran has failed to break into Villa's first team but is highly regarded by manager Martin O'Neill, and the Premiership club have allowed him to move to Leeds on an initial deal until March 29.

Meanwhile, Ben Parker has gone to Darlington on a month's loan after losing his place in to Alan Sheehan. Parker made five successive starts for Leeds before Sheehan arrived, but often looked lightweight, and tended to drift inside, leaving his flank exposed.

Parker has completed one previous loan spell away from Elland Road, joining Bradford City's squad for the whole of the 2006-07 season, where he made

41 appearances. Earlier this season he told the Yorkshire Post "A good season for me would be to break into the first team and play 20 or maybe 25 games. That's what I'm looking to do. This is a massive season for me. I've had a few look-ins here and there, but when I get my opportunity I'm going to look to cement my place."

Parker is still considered to be one of the club's most promising youngsters and he was handed an extended two-year contract in October, but McAllister is likely to see the opportunity in Darlington as a chance for Parker to gain additional experience.

Gary McAllister is still hoping to add to his squad, and has asked Crystal Palace if he can take Dougie Freedman on loan. The striker is not in Neil Warnock’s first team plans, but 33-year-old is also Palace's reserve coach, so Warnock will have to decide whether he is willing to allow Freedman to leave Selhurst Park. According to the Yorkshire Post, the player would be willing to vacate his coaching position if a suitable move presents itself.