Michael Appleton believes Leeds United loanee Robbie Gotts is ‘desperate’ to showcase ability

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Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton has been sharing his delight at the arrival of Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts on loan after winning a multi-club battle to bring the 20-year-old in this summer.

Gotts was linked with a host of clubs in the Football League for the 2020-21 season after Leeds promotion to the Premier League and subsequent transfer business made it unlikely for the youngster to get regular playing time at Elland Road. 

The Imps however have won the battle to sign the player and it is clear that the League One side’s boss is very pleased to have Gotts on board. 

“Robbie’s very versatile in terms of his ability to play in midfield or at full back,” Appleton told the Lincoln City website. “He’s got bags of quality in possession of the ball and he’s got the energy and athleticism to get up and down the pitch too.” 

“Overall though he’s just another really good addition and the fact that it’s his first loan away quite excites me too because he’s desperate to impress and desperate to impress his new teammates as well.”

Leeds United fans were treated to a brief cameo of what Gotts is capable of in an impressive debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup last season. Unfortunately, that did not lead to a regular role in the first-team after he picked up an injury. 

Leeds currently have plenty of options in the roles that Gotts can fill, including the likes of Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw and his long-standing friend Jamie Shackleton. 

With that in mind, giving Gotts the chance to shine with regular football away from the club seems the best solution for this season and Leeds fans will hope he can return to West Yorkshire a more rounded player.