i think we need to be realistic. He's had 2 bad injuries over the last 18 months so it will take him a while to get back up to speed and regain sharpness.
The rule of thump is a day for every day injured, and i think he has been out for about 12 months, so based on that we shouldn't expect much this season.
However, he is young and the signs are encouraging. We need to take it slowly with him, and a few more U21 games won't be a bad idea. Maybe a start in a conf game and see where we go.
Being left footed he will give us some balance in the back 3.
BTW - i agree, with our limited squad i'd not send him out on loan