Ross County confirmed that Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter had signed a season-long loan deal with the Staggies earlier in the transfer window. Now that move has been thrown into doubt after the young goalkeeper picked up a shoulder injury.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell said that Baxter was heading back south for checks on a shoulder injury. It’s a problem that could end his Highlands career before it starts.
Kettlewell has spoken about Chelsea keeper Baxter’s situation. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Kettlewell said: “Nathan sustained an injury and we just have to pick up the pieces of that one over the next couple of days. Given the severity of the injury, it looks as if it could keep him out for a period of time.
“It would be silly to say right now it will go one way or another. We need to make sure, first and foremost, the player is taken care of, which he will be through Chelsea.
“And we obviously need to see what’s best for us, to make sure that area of the pitch is as strong as it can be.”
Ross County will hope Chelsea stopper Baxter returns
This would be a real shame, for player and both clubs, if Baxter did have his Ross County move ended by injury. He’s a great young keeper who deserves his chance at top flight football.
Baxter was supposedly Dingwall-bound. (Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The 20-year-old stopper made 34 appearances in League Two last year for Yeovil. The club may have finished bottom, however, Baxter still managed 10 clean sheets.
A reliable shot stopper with quick reflexes, good handling and decent distribution, Baxter has all the attributes to become a good keeper. All he needs is experience and County will be able to offer him invaluable game time should he make a recovery.
By the same token though, the Staggies do have to look at other options. With just Ross Laidlaw and a couple of youngsters in between the sticks just now, they’ll hope for a swift conclusion to Baxter’s situation.
Hopefully he overcomes his shoulder injury. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Hopefully it doesn’t end his County spell. Baxter deserves a chance at top flight football. County will also lose out on a promising keeper, if this injury ends this loan.
All parties concerned will hope he returns to the Highlands and makes a swift recovery.