In what is a bit of an oddity for Tottenham Hotspur, youngster Ryan Mason has gone on loan to France. Mason has previously had loan spells at Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, and Millwall. Mason has made three substitute appearances for Spurs this year, but has featured mostly for the U-21 side, scoring 8 goals in 10 appearances.

News --> Ryan Mason has joined French Ligue 1 club FC Lorient on loan until the end of the season: bit.ly/XoR8AL #COYS #THFC

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 31, 2013

Tottenham Hotspur don't usually loan out promising young players to clubs abroad, that's more of a thing that Chelsea do, but if it's going to get Mason first team football then I am all for it. Lorient are currently 8th in the table, but are only two points out of fourth place in a very tight race for Europa League football.

Near as I can tell, Lorient typically play a 4-2-3-1 formation and I believe Mason will play in the middle of the attacking three. That spot is usually occupied by Benjamin Corgnet, who is currently out injured. His backup is geriatric Ludovic Giuly. Hopefully, this is an opportunity for Mason to get some match experience against a high level of competition than he would see in the Championship.