Sunderland left-back George McCartney has today returned to Elland Road for his second loan spell with Leeds United.

A regular in our twelve match unbeaten run and with seventeen appearances to his name already, his return is undoubtedly a welcomed one. But will his short term return to the Leeds United team deal another blow to the development of Ben Parker?

A series of injuries and fitness problems have undoubtedly had an affect on Parker’s development, with the youngster spending more time in the treatment room than he does in training. Just when it seems he’s back on track, Parker will have another challenge to face as he goes head-to-head with an experienced Premier League full-back for a place in the starting XI.

Is that necessarily a bad thing though? With an experienced full-back ready and raring to go, Parker won’t be rushed back into the starting XI and that could help him avoid further injury and fitness problems. Parker could also learn a few tricks from an experienced player such as McCartney that will help him become a more consistent and solid player for Leeds United.

Personally, I think McCartney’s return is a good thing – especially for Ben Parker. The youngster will probably be a little disappointed to lose his place in the starting XI, but the challenge he’ll face in replacing McCartney is an excellent motivational tool.

There was no disguising the fact that even with Parker back, we still needed cover at left-back. Hughes, whilst deserving of praise for his efforts was unsuited to the position and with Aidy White expected to go back out out on loan and Bessone less use than a chocolate fire-guard, Larry has undoubtedly made the right choice.