Reckon the way Hughes used (or not used) him is the reason why it looks like he won't make it here. Was given nowhere near enough first team opportunities after that Youth Cup Final, as I remember the only league appearance he made was for about 15 minutes on the last game of the following season (the Berti game). It should never have taken that long for him to make his first team debut. It was similar for other youth players, e.g. Mee, McGivern, Trippier, Tutte etc, all looked promising in the reserves but Hughes' ignorance of youth players hampered their chances of success here. (although I'm not saying any of those would have definitely made it even if they had have been given a chance)
Can't see him making it at one of the top 6, and a club like Fulham would be a good move for him. Would be a good signing for a club like Wigan or Norwich as they could make a tidy profit out of him.
I liked him. Thought he looked very promising in the games he did play, when he got the ball I always got the feeling he'd do something, he always tried to make things happen, sometimes too hard.
Whatever happens, good luck to him.