Aston Villa’s Samir Carruthers has this afternoon (Saturday) joined Milton Keynes Dons on a youth loan until 4th January.
The 20-year-old midfielder offers further strength in depth and options to Dons boss Karl Robinson as he can play in the centre, on the wing or as the second striker.
Speaking to mkdons.com Carruthers said: “Last year I sat around on the bench a lot, I wasn’t really playing and I wanted to get out on loan but because of the number of injuries we had at Villa I was struggling to get out, but this year the manager has let me get some game time on loan and I am looking forward to it.
“All I want to do is play football and show what I can do so hopefully I can do that here. I don’t really have a preferred position; I can play anywhere really in the hole, on the wing or in midfield.
“I’ve been really impressed by what I have seen so far – the stadium is unbelievable. I’ve met the manager and some of the staff; everyone seems really nice and welcoming. I’m just looking forward to playing here.
“I watched the team last year and they play really good football, which is my type of football so if I can get involved hopefully it will be beneficial for both of us.”
Carruthers was on the books with Arsenal as a schoolboy but opted to switch to Aston Villa in 2009 and subsequently signed professional terms with the West Midland side.
In the 2011/12 season he made his debut under then-boss Alex McLeish when he was introduced as a 86th minute substitute in Villa’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League. Carruthers went on to make to further appearances off the bench and those cameo appearances have left the Villa faithful wanting to see more of the talented youngster.
His reputation does not just come from first team football, the Islington-born midfielder has been capped at Under-19 and Under-21 level for Republic of Ireland and he played a pivotal role in helping Villa’s Reserve side to Barclays Premier Reserve League South success two years ago.
Carruthers was part of the Aston Villa Under-19s side that won the NextGen Series title last season, a tournament where 16 of Europe’s top young sides compete in a Champions League style format. Currethers and Villa saw off teams such PSV Eindhoven, Olympiacos, Sporting CP and Ajax en route to a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the final.
Although yet to feature under Paul Lambert’s reign, Carruthers’ potential was recognised in the summer when he signed a new two-year deal at Villa Park to keep him at the club until 2015.
Carruthers will be available for the Dons’ Capital One Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy campaigns. He will wear the number 22 shirt.
The midfielder’s loan move is subject to clearance from The Football League and The FA.
