Karlan Ahearne-Grant has joined League Two club Crawley on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old attacker has failed to hold down a regular starting place under boss Karl Robinson.
And the loan arrivals of Stephy Mavididi, Michal Zyro and Sullay Kaikai have pushed him further down the pecking order at the Valley.
But Robinson believes Ahearne-Grant, who has netted four goals this season, is the future of the club.
He said: “Karlan has really moved mountains this season, he has worked so hard and I think our fans are beginning to see that on the pitch.
“I sometimes have to be a bit unselfish, though, and look after him and that is the reason for letting him go out on loan.
“I rate him so much, I really believe that he is the future of the club and that is why I think it is so important for him to go and play regularly.
“Karlan is going to go and play under Harry [Kewell], who was a top, top player and someone that Lee Bowyer and I have a good relationship with.
“Crawley are a side that are full of confidence and I think he can make a big difference to them.”
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