Carl Rushworth thrives as Eiran Cashin resets, Brighton see split loan returns | OneFootball

Brighton are seeing both sides of the loan market, with Carl Rushworth powering Coventry City’s promotion push while Eiran Cashin has left Birmingham City for Blackburn Rovers in search of regular minutes.

Cashin’s final Blues appearance was as a second-half substitute in Birmingham’s 3-2 win over Coventry early this month. It proved a rare blemish in Coventry’s rise, now six points clear with Rushworth influential.

Rushworth has nine clean sheets in 26, 29 conceded, including a club-record five in a row and 613 minutes unbeaten in September and October. Frank Lampard called him a “standout” and added: “That’s too far away to talk about that because he’s not our player, as such.” He told BBC local radio in December.

Coventry would be obvious suitors if they go up, finances permitting, with rivals likely. Brighton have stepped him through the leagues and, with a year left plus an option, this summer is play him or sell him. Bart Verbruggen is first choice and, even if he draws interest that could increase with a strong World Cup, Rushworth cannot wait on an unknown.

Cashin’s Birmingham spell faltered once Phil Neumann arrived to partner captain Christoph Klarer, leaving him third choice, and he made costly mistakes when opportunities came. He has joined Blackburn, playing 75 minutes of a 0-0 FA Cup draw at Hull before a 4-3 defeat on penalties, with the move intended to secure minutes amid competition after Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola joined Brighton.

Source: NY Times