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Loan Watch: Manchester United's James Wilson and Arsenal's Jon Toral impress in January

James Wilson

Which Premier League players impressed on loan in the Football League last month?

Newcastle's Adam Armstrong and Arsenal's Chuba Akpom have caught our eye at Coventry and Hull respectively in the past and, in our latest instalment of our new monthly feature, we've picked out five standout performers from January. 

Agree with our selection or have we missed someone? Leave your comments below or tweet us @SkySportsFL to have your say...

Martin Samuelsen (Peterborough - on loan from West Ham)

Martin Samuelsen of Peterborough scores the opening goal of the game
Image: Martin Samuelsen (right) has been in scoring form for Peterborough

Samuelsen joined Peterborough on a month's loan in November, but impressed so much at London Road that his deal was extended until the end of the season in January.

The 18-year-old has scored twice in 10 appearances in all competitions for the Posh, and came on at half-time to help them secure a 2-2 draw in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at West Brom on Saturday.

Peterborough Graham Westley, said: "From the minute Martin walked through the door myself and Grant McCann knew we were working with an immense talent. He's a Premier League star of the future."

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James Wilson (Brighton - on loan from Manchester United)

Brighton's James Wilson celebrates for Brighton
Image: Brighton's James Wilson celebrates

Following a frustrating early part of the season that saw him struggle to get games at Manchester United, Wilson completed a loan switch to Brighton in November.

He netted in their 2-1 win over Huddersfield last month, and has three goals in 11 appearances for the Championship side so far. 

"The intention is to give him valuable experience and be regularly involved in games. It will toughen him up physically," said Brighton boss Chris Hughton. "He knows what the Championship is all about now and that is valuable experience for him."

Jon Toral (Birmingham - on loan from Arsenal)

Image: Jon Toral has hit six goals for Birmingham

Toral has been on loan at Birmingham since the start of the season, managing an impressive six goals in 26 Championship appearances so far.

The 20-year-old Arsenal youngster netted twice in January as Birmingham went unbeaten in six consecutive league games.

"I know Jon is not our player, but he feels like he is because he's been here all year," said Rowett. "He's a great lad, really humble, he works hard and he's enjoying his football."

John Swift (Brentford - on loan from Chelsea)

Brentford's John Swift celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game
Image: John Swift is developing at Brentford, according to boss Dean Smith

Swift joined Brentford on loan from Chelsea in October, and has helped the Bees overcome a difficult start in the Championship by firing four goals in 20 games.

The England Under-21 international scored once during six impressive appearances in January.

"John has developed a lot as a player in his time with Brentford," said Brentford manager Dean Smith. "He is someone I knew about when he was playing in League One last year and he has improved since then. He also has lots of scope to develop further. It is great to have him as part of the squad for the rest of the season."

Josh Murphy (MK Dons - on loan from Norwich)

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea challenges Josh Murphy of MK Dons during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between
Image: Josh Murphy (right) of MK Dons battles with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic

Murphy has been on loan at MK Dons since August, and the Norwich youngster has impressed in scoring six goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for the Championship club.

The 20-year-old midfielder featured in their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea last month.

"Josh is someone I known about for a long time," said MK Dons boss Karl Robinson. "Neil Adams trusted him to play in the top-flight and that says a lot about Josh. He's got electric pace and quality."

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