Mansfield boss Clough raves about United loanee Bishop

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Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough has praised Manchester United loanee Nathan Bishop.

Bishop kept the first clean sheet of his loan spell on Saturday, against high-flying Leyton Orient.

In an interview with the Mansfield Chad, Clough made it clear that Bishop had impressed him despite his side’s disappointing defensive record thus far.

“The goalkeeper was outstanding against Orient in everything he did. We have lost sight of him a little bit because of everything that’s been going on; all the goals we’ve been conceding and defensive mistakes,” he said.

“He has been an absolute beacon as a professional doing his job behind them. He’s not had a chance with many of the goals he’s conceded this season. He has been brilliant.

“When you think he hardly played at all last season, he has settled in superbly. When you look at the other goalkeepers in our league, and the one above, he is as good as anything.

“You can see he’s been around a place like Manchester United. He talks about [Bruno] Fernandes doing his shooting afterwards, it’s bound to improve you.

“Now he is ready to play a full season at this level and I would expect him to go up a level or two if he goes out on loan next season. He spreads confidence straight away.”

United defender Di’Shon Bernard played in League 2 last season with Salford and is now a Championship loanee with Hull City.

So that jump up two levels is a distinct possibility and it sounds like Bishop has all the qualities required to make the leap.

There are parallels to be drawn with Dean Henderson, who made an impression on loan spells in the EFL before working his way into contention for the United and England number one spot.

Bishop is a little way off that yet, but the rave reviews he’s getting bode really well for United and hopefully he can continue his strong loan form.

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