Ryan Oné has earned plaudits from loan manager Michael Skubala after a promising debut cameo for the Sheffield United man.
The Scottish forward earned a temporary move to League One promotion contenders Lincoln City in the winter transfer window following the exit of Justin Obikwu from Sincil Bank to Queens Park Rangers, which saw Alfie Lloyd head the opposite way as a result.
Debut Goal Sign Of Things To Come
Skubala handed the former Hamilton Academical man his first start for the Imps late on in their imperious victory away at Plymouth Argyle in place of Freddie Draper, and made an immediate impact by scoring late in added time to compound the woes of the Devon side.
Speaking to the press following the victory at Home Park, Michael Skubala highlighted Oné’s efforts across his late cameo while acknowledging the variety in goalscorers Lincoln have had this campaign. (Quotes via Stacey West):
“I really like the fact that all of our top line are chipping in. You only have to look at Ryan Oné today. He took that goal and that’s not easy.
“Running from your halfway line with all that time is not an easy finish. People think that’s easy because he’s in with the keeper, but I think he’s a sensational talent. When he came in, he worked hard.”
Following Obikwu’s exit and a season-ending injury for James Collins, City were left limited with their forward options, prompting a move for both Lloyd and Oné, who had fallen down the pecking order at Bramall Lane under Chris Wilder.
Can Oné Become A Regular?
With his first Lincoln City game behind him, Ryan Oné has proven to be another astute signing, but it is still early days to see if he will be able to regularly deliver as the Imps chase down promotion to the Championship.
Freddie Draper and Rob Street have both been consistent but not outstanding with their goalscoring efforts, and none of the Imps squad have broken double digits for League One goals this campaign.
The Sheffield United man has not become a regular goalscorer, with just six senior goals in his career, but alongside the existing pair at Sincil Bank, will be able to provide a triple threat across their remaining games and push Lincoln to an automatic promotion spot.
For the Blades, they will hope that Michael Skubala can continue developing their prospect, as he has done with Bailey Cadamarteri and Jovon Makama in the past year, and turn the Scotsman into a Championship-ready forward.