Foxes of Leicester
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Leicester’s loan army: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a future Fox?

By Tobias Moore

Luton Town's English midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (R) with Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount (L) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Luton Town's English midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (R) with Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount (L) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Leicester City
Darnell Johnson of AFC Wimbledon (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Darnell Johnson of Leicester City

Godson of Emile Heskey, and on the third loan move of his career so far, the 22-year-old joined AFC Wimbledon in January after a fairly uneventful spell at fallen Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Swapping the blue and white stripes of Greater Manchester for south-west London lands the 22-year-old centre-back in familiar yet geographically separate waters as both clubs fight for League One status, currently placed 22nd and 20th respectively.

"I’d like to say I’m old school and new school, so I know how to lock-up shop and be aggressive, win everything in the air, don’t give the forward a yard. But then again, with the new school, I can play out, I’d like to say I can use both of my feet and be versatile. I’ve been playing right-back for my club, as well as a centre-back. I’d like to say I’m quite dynamic. Darnell Johnson via Hibernian FC."

Playing nearly every minute of the last five games, the former under-23’s captain’s fortunes have been mixed in winning two and losing three. His last outing at Gillingham provided his first clean sheet since the start of the season. Should he appear in Wimbledon’s next match against Hull City, it will be his longest run of consistent senior appearances.

Firmly in his early 20s, the loanee has missed the opportunity for early senior exposure. A failed move to Hibernians provided little experience. With younger defensive players of Wesley Fofana’s calibre making the move to the King Power, he will find his path increasingly blocked by outsider talent.

Johnson’s story at Leicester City looks to be reaching its conclusion. His contract ends in the summer, and he has failed to appear in cup competitions. This season has seen the local play the most football of his career so far and shows he is capable of making a steady contribution to a team’s fortunes.