Marc Skinner reveals what future holds for Lionesses star Grace Clinton amid scintillating loan spell with Tottenham

The young Lionesses star has announced herself to the world this season, putting in a series of stellar performances in the WSL for Spurs after joining the north London side on loan last summer from parent club Manchester United. Skinner may have deemed her surplus to requirements a year ago, but that's likely to change.

According to reporter Jamie Spencer, Skinner said: "We couldn't give her the minutes... But she's now proven she's in that space where she's had that exposure and I look forward to welcoming her back to do that for Manchester United. It's really interesting talking to people around [because] there's still loads more we can give to her."

Skinner's comments came in the build-up to this weekend's WSL fixture between Spurs and United, which Clinton is ineligible for (something the Red Devils boss will likely be relieved about). Given the youngster's scintillating form, Spurs will have their work cut out without her.

Clinton got her dream debut for England against Austria in February, scoring in a 7-2 win to place her firmly in Sarina Weigman's thoughts ahead of the next international tournament, Euro 2025.

Clinton may have shone at Spurs this season, but whether she will be there next year is another matter. Skinner is likely to want her around the squad at United, even if she isn't getting as many minutes as she might like. Still, if her performances remain at the current level, there will be huge pressure to start the Lioness starlet.