NEIL ASPIN says new loan signing Michael Onovwigun has a chance of making his stay at Gateshead permanent if he impresses during the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old has joined the Heed from League One side Chesterfield for the rest of the National League campaign.
Aspin’s side are still in the hunt for the play-offs and Onovwigun comes in after Matty Pattison went down with injury.
Onovwigun signed for the Spireites from Brentford two years ago and has made two appearances for the club while also spending time on loan with Sheffield and Stalybridge Celtic.
The imposing midfielder is likely to leave Chesterfield in the summer and Aspin says the move allows both parties to get to know each other better before any long-term decisions are made.
The former FC Halifax Town boss told Gateshead’s website: “He’s a player I’ve seen a couple of times in reserve team football.
“But, you don’t really get to know a player well enough by watching a couple of reserve games, so it’s an opportunity for us to have a look at him until the end of the season.
“We’ve lost Matty Pattison with a knee injury, so it’s a case of one midfielder for another. He has the height – he’s a big lad who can play in a couple of positions, but if you want him to play in a particular formation, he’s capable of doing the job.
“I don’t think he’s going to be at Chesterfield next season, so it’s a chance to have a look at him before he likely becomes available in the summer.”
