Qantas Socceroo looking for loan move

Lowry looking to move out on loan from Aston Villa

Qantas Socceroos defender Shane Lowry said he is destined for a loan move from Aston Villa in the coming weeks.

Lowry, 21, said it was important that he was playing regularly if he was to gain selection in Holger Osieck-s squad for January-s Asian Cup.

The defender enjoyed successful loan stints with Plymouth Argyle (then Championship but got relegated) and Leeds United (then League One but were promoted) last season and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension from Villa last May.

But the Birmingham-based club boasts an experienced group of defenders and Lowry said the key was to play games at this stage in his career, with Derby County rumoured to be among the interested clubs.

“A loan move would probably be a better option for me at the moment because I need to be playing and that is my main priority,-- said Lowry.

“There is a bit of interest and hopefully something can be sorted out in the next few weeks.

“It-s just a case of seeing what clubs need so I-ll just have to wait and see.--

Lowry was caught up in the midst of Villa-s uncertainty on the eve of the season with the surprise resignation of Martin O-Neill, who offered him the new deal.

Caretaker Kevin McDonald included Lowry in his squad in the Europa League qualifier against Rapid Vienna but their exit was a blow as the competition may have paved the way for senior action this season.

Lowry said new manager Gerard Houllier has made a good impression at Villa Park but was unsure where he figured in the former Liverpool manager-s plans.

“I was in Slovenia with the Socceroos when I found out about Martin and I was shocked and I think most of the players were,-- he said.

“I was involved in Vienna under MacDonald and he included me in a few squads although I didn-t make the team sheet.

“It-s hard to say where I figure at the moment. I-ve had a bit of a chat with Gerard about Australia and stuff like that but nothing more.--

Lowry, who played youth football for Ireland, was involved with the Qantas Socceroos- preliminary World Cup squad ahead of the World Cup but missed Pim Verbeek-s final cut.

Lowry is eligible to play for the Olyroos, whose London 2012 qualification will commence in next June.