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Patrick Impact Pleases Gaffer
Written by Newcastle Utd
Hughton delighted with performance of loan star
By Craig Hope
BEING asked to fill a void left by a player of the calibre of Jose Enrique is surely a daunting prospect for a teenage defender.
Not Patrick van Aanholt, however.
The 19-year-old is preparing for what could be the final game of a one-month loan stint during Saturday's clash at Watford.
And should it be van Aanholt's black-and-white swansong, he will return to Chelsea with the sound of fulsome praise ringing in his ears from boss Chris Hughton.
"We have been delighted with Patrick," said the Newcastle manager.
"He had the bonus of being with Coventry earlier in the season and he did very well there.
"It's always a risk with someone so young, but he has coped very well.
"He had to come into a position that we had been very strong in all season and Jose's shoes were big shoes to fill.
"It will be a big bonus to have Jose back, but Patrick's influence has been very good.
"He will go away from here with a lot of experience and I'm sure he would have enjoyed his time here."