Tranmere have extended the loan of midfielder Ollie Banks from Oldham Athletic for another month.
The 25-year-old central midfielder arrived at Prenton Park in November following an injury and suspension crisis that left Micky Mellon woefully short of options in the middle of the park. With a number of first team appearances for League One Oldham already to his name this term, it was expected that his arrival would be positive.
And so it proved. Banks’ arrival has coincided with a turnaround in form for Rovers. Despite last-gasp defeat on his debut away to Gateshead – during which we has inches away from netting a late winner himself – the midfielder has not tasted defeat since.
Fellow loanee midfielder Josh Kay is likely to return to Barnsley after failing to make an impact at Prenton Park. He’s been limited to just a couple of sub appearances, and with Jay Harris back from suspension and Jeff Hughes nearing fitness, it’s unlikely Mellon will retain the services of Kay.
January disruption?
Banks’ loan will now run late in to January, while on-loan Dylan Mottley-Henry also has a loan spell that’s due to end in January. Both have become key players during their time with the club and with long-term absentees James Wallace and Ben Tollitt not likely to see action until February at the earliest, it could mean that Rovers will have some disruption in those areas.
There has been no indication as yet whether the club will try to make either signing permanent. Meanwhile, James Alabi is likely to remain out on loan at Dover until the end of the season, we understand. George Waring could return to the club briefly ahead of a further move.
