Southampton: Saints loanee Hesketh fires Burton to Carabao Cup semi-final
By Marc Walker
Southampton loanee Jake Hesketh helped write a piece of Burton Albion’s history yesterday as his goal fired them to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
In an otherwise tight affair, the 22-year-old struck shortly after half-time to knock Championship side Middlesbrough out take Burton to their first last-four.
Hesketh’s winning strike very much summed up his style as a player. He won the ball back on the edge of the area with great determination and found the bottom corner with a clean hit on the turn.
Burton are guaranteed to meet Premier League opposition next as Manchester City defeated Leicester City yesterday whilst two further ties take place this evening.
Arsenal and Spurs face off in a North London derby and Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
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Hesketh has played a big part in his current loan side’s run in the Carabao Cup. He has started each of their three ties since he joined and also bagged the match-winning strike against Nottingham Forest in the Fourth-Round.
His temporary spell in the Midlands is sure to have been an important experience in his development as a player.
He has made 20 appearances for Nigel Clough’s side but has has had to work for a regular place at a tough level in the Football League.
His loan deal with the Brewers ends in January and it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay with them or return to Saints to fight for a place.
It will have been pleasing for him to see the attention that new first-team manager Ralph Hasenhuttl gives the club’s young players.
Yan Valery, Michael Obafemi and Tyreke Johnson have made first-team appearances after showing promise for the club’s academy sides.
Hesketh and others like Harrison Reed, Sam McQueen and Josh Sims may have to wait for their chance but there will certainly be an opportunity to impress ahead of next season.