Jensen Weir has said he is loving his time on loan with Cambridge United, as the EFL celebrate their Youth Development Week.
The annual event celebrates the success stories of the EFL, whether it’s players who have come through academies with lower league clubs or have enjoyed fruitful loan spells away from Premier League club.
The 20-year-old falls into both those categories, having come through the ranks at Wigan Athletic before joining Albion in July 2020.
He is now on a season-long loan with the U’s, and Weir can’t get enough of League One action, having made 24 appearances in all competitions this season.
“It’s a new experience and I am enjoying it,” he said. “I like playing men’s football, I like competing for points every week and working hard to be in the team. I am trying to add goals to my game and develop generally, so it’s been a good experience.
“There’s more on the table, it’s people’s livelihoods at stake if they don’t have a good season. There’s a lot of heart and desire to win every single game, three points is everything in league football. Now I’ve had a bit of time to reflect on how I’ve got on so far, I am really enjoying it. I just want to play now.
“If you look at the table, it’s a really strong league. You’ve got big clubs in there who have big backings which can make a big difference.”
The midfielder is learning plenty from the experienced pros at the Abbey, as well as the U’s supporters.
“I have made loads of improvement. When I arrived at Cambridge, I wasn’t at the level to play every week. But now I am physically used to it I am competing to a higher standard and in the long run that’s the best thing. I have learned so much on and off the pitch and I want to keep that up.
“The team know I am a young player who is there to learn. In training, Wes Hoolahan is great to watch and he’s definitely still got it. There’s little things like that where you learn about the game, it’s a joy to be around the club and can only make me better.
“The fans have been really good with me as well. I wouldn’t say I am a fans’ favourite because I am only on loan and I am not a goalscorer, but I definitely get a lot of love from the fans. It’s a good feeling to be liked, when you’ve got that good emotion from the supporters going into the game it can make a big difference.
“It’s great picking up three points knowing that not only are your teammates happy with the hard work they’ve put in during the week, but the supporters go home happy.”
The midfielder experienced one of the highlights of his career with Cambridge, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon back in October.
“That was the best feeling I have had in football! When I look back, it was crazy. It was the match winner, I knew I was playing well and that if we could support Joe Ironside up front I’d get a chance. I scored with my head, which is really unusual. I made a mess of my celebration as I ran towards the corner where there aren’t any supporters, so I had to turn round! It was a great moment though, I loved it.”