Young Pros Extend Loan Spells

Tom will remain with npower League 1 side Bury until the end of the 2012/13 season, while Steven will remain with non-league Ilkeston until the end of January.

Both young professionals have been gaining valuable first team experience in recent months.

Forward Hopper, 19, initially joined Bury in September and has since made 23 appearances, scoring three goals and featuring in all of the Shakers’ festive fixtures. Kevin Blackwell’s side are 22nd in League 1, but just two points away from climbing out of the bottom four.

Versatile midfielder Smith, also 19, has been a regular for in-form Ilkeston since joining the Robins at the end of November. Kevin Wilson’s side have won six and drawn one of their seven games since Smith’s arrival, climbing to 12th in the Evo-Stick Northern Premier League.