Everton loanee scored in 5-1 victory while out on loan last night

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Mason Holgate has endured a season to forget thus far, having played for Sheffield United and Southampton.

The 27-year-old made seven appearances for the Saints and failed to stake a claim on the South Coast.

His time with Sheffield United hasn’t started much better. Holgate’s first game resulted in a 5-0 loss to Aston Villa, and his most recent outing against Brighton saw him receive a red card for a horrible first-half tackle.

The defender is set to spend two weeks out of Sheffield United and has been sent to play with the under-21s.

However, last night, there was finally some positive news regarding Holgate.

Mason Holgate on scoresheet v Swansea City

The Blades’ under-21s took on Swansea City at Bramall Lane on Monday evening in the Premier League Cup.

Sheffield United fielded a strong side, with Holgate joined by Oliver Arblaster, Andre Brooks and Will Osula; it was a positive night for the Everton loanee as he opened the scoring during the 5-1 win.

Holgate is set to miss the upcoming matches against Arsenal and Brighton. As a result, Sheffield United have decreed that he maintains match sharpness with the under-21s side.

What next for Mason Holgate?

It’s hard to envisage what’s next for Holgate.

The fact he’s been sent out on loan twice at the age of 27 probably indicates that he’s not part of Sean Dyche’s long-term plans.

His red card against Brighton hasn’t helped, with several high-profile pundits ridiculing his attempt to win the ball.

“The sending-off was a moment of madness. I think honestly he just tried to kick the ball hard and followed through and missed the ball,” said Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football.

“Genuinely. You know what slow motion is like, but if you see it from a distance in normal speed I think he went to kick the ball and missed it, with a bit of aggression, I don’t think he deliberately went and booted him even though it does look like it.”

This is all unwanted attention when all Holgate should be doing is knuckling down and trying to regain his best form, which has alluded him over the last couple of years.