Cambridge United youngster Kai Yearn challenged to follow Liam Bennett's lead during Chelmsford City loan

Cambridge United head coach Mark Bonner is hoping Kai Yearn can follow the example set by another of the club’s highly-rated youngsters during his loan spell at Chelmsford City.

It was confirmed earlier this week that 17-year-old Yearn would spend the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign with the National League South outfit, who are managed by former United forward Robbie Simpson.

And Bonner is eager for the attack-minded midfielder to use the experience in a similar vein to Liam Bennett at Walsall. The right-back joined the Sky Bet League Two Saddlers on a season-long loan deal in the summer and having forced his way into the starting line-up he has been earning rave reviews for his performances.

“He’ll go with Simmo and they’ve started the season really well,” said Bonner. “He played a little part in a game on Tuesday in the FA Trophy and did well when he came on.

“It’s good for him. He’s had a bit of a stop-start injury pre-season with his ankle, but when he’s been fit and got into a rhythm of training he’s done really well.

“We know he’s a really talented player and it will be a good test for him to go and play some senior football at a good level at his age.

“Hopefully if he can get into their team – which is his test, get in their team and be influential – it will be a really good loan for him.

“And hopefully we can continue to use the loans well because Liam Bennett is going great guns at Walsall at the moment. He’s got into the team and he’s playing really well.

“Again that’s a really good experience and exposure for him. We were at his game on Tuesday, which was good to see. Hopefully he can continue that and Kai can do the same at Chelmsford.”