Injury-plagued defender Ben Parker has joined Carlisle on loan until February 25th.
The move will give Parker the opportunity to gain some fitness, after a torrid few years with constant injuries. After playing some behind-closed-doors games at Thorp Arch, Parker will now step up in level and move to Carlisle who currently play in League One. During his time with the Cumbrians Parker will be available for six league games.
Speaking about the move on the official site Grayson said:
" This is something we've been looking at for a few weeks now. Ben has had a very, very difficult few years with injury and it's testament to him and the physio's that he has come through it and back playing again. The Physio's have been keeping a close eye on him over the past few weeks with the increase in training and the games, and he has come through well. The next logical step once he was playing again was a loan move to play some competitive games and with Carlisle going so well at the moment this is a move that suits everyone."
Hopefully Parker's spell with Carlisle will give him some much needed game time. Although the friendlies are good for fitness, as they say there is no better way of becoming match fit than playing in competitive matches. Parker's injury has seen him lose a yard or two of pace and maybe going on loan could help him. To be honest I don't see Parker having a future at Leeds, his contract is up at the end of the season and Aidy White has been in form. Having said that, White could be on his way out also, and with Bates not spending much money on transfers Parker could be a cheap option, labelled as 'like a new signing'. The rumours will also be circling that Parker has been sent on loan due to his comments in the Pavilion (about Howson departure), but in all fairness I think this move has been planned for some time.