TWTD.co.uk | Balkestein Extends Brentford Loan

Balkestein Extends Brentford Loan
Mon 21st Dec 2009 13:59

Town have extended defender Pim Balkestein’s loan spell at Brentford into a second month. The Dutchman’s initial spell came to an end after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over the MK Dons at the weekend.

Boss Roy Keane told the club site: "Pim's a great example of players benefiting from going out on loan.

"He's a good, young player who is playing games there. He's doing well and Brentford have a good player, so everyone gains from it. If I can get more of our younger players out on loan in January I will do."

Balkestein's latest spell ends on January 17th but with Town having inserted a 24-hour recall into the deal. Unlike fellow loanees Kevin Lisbie and Jack Ainsley, the 22-year-old will not be able to play in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, former Blue Ivan Campo has agreed to join Cypriot side AEK Larnaca on a six-month contract, having been on trial with the second division club last week.

AEK spokesman Demetris Georgiades says the 35-year-old Spaniard hopes to help his new team back into the Cypriot top flight: "Campo and club president Marios Ellinas know each other well and he has agreed to play for AEK to help the side get back to the first division, where they belong.

“He said that he will only play for AEK in Cyprus because he wants to help the club. That is what a true professional he is."

Elsewhere, former Town scout Jack Hixon has died at the age of 88. Hixon, the man who discovered Alan Shearer during his time with Southampton, worked for Town in the George Burley era and also scouted for Burnley, Stoke, Derby County and Blackpool.