Football Insider are reporting that midfielder JJ McKiernan has agreed to join Burton Albion on loan for the remainder of the season.
It is a move few will be surprised with, as McKiernan hasn’t been able to force first team football, and it offers the 22-year-old an opportunity for regular minutes. The Brewers, currently rooted to the bottom of the League One table, have made the midfield a priority area to address in the January transfer window.
A Frustrating Start at Sincil Bank
McKiernan joined Lincoln from Morecambe in the summer following an impressive League Two campaign, where he scored seven goals in 28 appearances. Despite his promise, the midfielder has found opportunities limited at Lincoln, playing just 238 league minutes across 15 appearances in all competitions. Of those, only four were starts, and he has completed a full 90 minutes just once this season.
The Imps currently sit 12 points above Burton in the League One standings and have reportedly agreed to let McKiernan leave in search of regular football, believing it to be the best path for his development. The midfielder signed a long-term deal with Lincoln through 2028, indicating the club’s faith in his potential despite his loan departure – this isn’t an exit for good, but a chance to get regular minutes at a level we want him to play at next season.
Burton’s Struggles and January Rebuild
Burton Albion have endured a torrid season, winning just two of their 24 league games and sitting 11 points adrift of safety. Manager Gary Bowyer is relying on a productive January transfer window to inject quality and depth into his squad as they attempt to mount a miraculous survival bid.
McKiernan’s arrival represents a key piece of this rebuild. The midfielder’s technical skills and goal-scoring ability could provide much-needed dynamism to Burton’s midfield, which has lacked creativity and drive throughout the season.
Benefit To City
This move is a big benefit to the Imps. With Jack Moylan, Ben House and Tom Bayliss all operating in the advanced midfield role. McKiernan’s involvement is likely to be minimal, but he’s still highly-rated at the club. To secure a move to the same division, and with him unlikely to appear against us, seems like good business. Hopefully, this will leave the talented midfielder in a strong position for a return next season, if indeed reports are accurate.
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