Upcoming FA Cup clash gives Aston Villa important loan update | OneFootball

Aston Villa's next match will be against Preston North End. The Lillywhites have an immediate connection with Unai Emery's side as Kaine Kesler-Hayden is out on a loan spell for PNE. The right-back is looking improved under the care of Paul Heckingbottom.

Questions about him playing against Villa are going to lead to disappointing answers for those hoping to see the 22-year-old in the FA Cup quarter-final fixture. In theory, the parent club, in this case Villa, could grant permission for Kesler-Hayden to play against them. This, however, would go against the standard norm and isn't likely to happen.

There are a couple of exceptions to this happening. Those occurred more recently, only for EFL Cup games, though, as Mason Mount, for example, in 2008, found himself out on loan from Chelsea and suiting up against the Blues while competing for Derby County. As mentioned, these cases are rare at best, and the likelihood of it happening again is very small.

Instead, a lot of the attention has shifted to what Heckingbottom has said in regard to the defender out on loan. The current arrangement benefits both sides, and the Heckingbottom would like it to continue beyond this season.

While discussing the Villa player, he lauded his improvement both technically as a defender and in his understanding of team shape. While there are a number of aspects to juggle, the manager made the case for why a second stint next season would be in everyone's best interest, as shared on the Lancashire Evening Post:

This is ultimately the reason for sending any player on assignment elsewhere. Aston Villa know that they have a promising talent in Kesler-Hayden. It's at that point where they need to see if the current good form will carry over to the senior team at the Premier League level as well.

Important decision for Aston Villa

As the roster stands right now for Emery, there simply wasn't a chance of him seeing regular playing time. At PNE, the right-back has seen regular first-team action, and onlookers have observed noticeable improvement.

A lot can happen in the upcoming summer transfer window. If the defender finds himself in a similar scenario of being on the outside looking in, Emery may well be inclined to take Heckingbottom's point of view. A lot of factors tend to be at play in these situations. His playing against Aston Villa on March 30th is far from a possibility, and more-or-less set in stone.

Although, technically, the club has until 75 minutes beforehand to inform The Association via written permission to prove otherwise. Instead, if things keep progressing for the right-back the way they are, he'll likely be representing his team's colors throughout all competitions on a permanent deal soon enough, one way or another.