Mansfield Town

Left-back Callum Elder can’t wait to sample senior football following his loan switch from Leicester City.

The 19-year-old, who is part of the Foxes’ development side and has played against Benfica and Schalke 04 in recent months, penned a one-month loan at One Call Stadium yesterday.

Elder is thought extremely highly of by his parent club and boasts good pedigree, having also appeared internationally for Australia at Under 20s level.

“It’s my first loan move so I’m obviously here to experience the Football League and see what it’s all about. I’m a young lad at 19, but I want to get out there and test myself in men’s football,” said Elder.

“I moved to England when I was 16 and I’ve been at Leicester for three seasons now. I’m really enjoying it there at the minute, but the club and myself thought it was the right time now to experience league football and that’s what I’ve come to do at Mansfield.

Asked what swayed his decision to join us, the teenager continued: “I think [it was] the positive interest the club had in me. I’ve heard they were interested in me this season and last season, so to finally get the chance to come here and play for a club like this is a big thing for me and I’m looking forward to doing well.”

The Australian could make his debut tomorrow afternoon when we make the short trip down the road to Sky Bet League Two promotion candidates Burton Albion.

Although he is yet to taste senior football, Elder is hopeful that he can adapt to what’s required quite quickly.

“I’ve heard a lot of things from some of the other lads that have been out on loan and they say [this league] is a physical test and it’s dealing with the crowds on a Saturday at three o’clock,” continued the teenager.

“I haven’t experienced that yet, but I think I’m a mature player and will be able to handle it.”

“The thing I’m looking forward to most is pulling the shirt on, going out there with the lads and playing for the three points and hopefully moving up the league table.”

He added: “With my first loan I’m hoping to prove to both Mansfield and Leicester that I can handle it. I’ve just completed my first training session here and there’s a great bunch of lads, and they seem to all work hard for each other, so if I can come in and help the club move up the table, that will be great.”

Describing his own playing style, Elder said: “I’d like to say that I’m an attacking full-back. I like to get forward and make an impact up the pitch, but I also know my role as a defender which is to come into the team, do well as a back four and keep things solid and keep clean-sheets.”