Can I just say that he's looked ok in the two matches I've seen him play for HSV.
He actually made a glaring mistake in the game v Arminia, although HSV got away with it. If that had been us he was playing for, he'd have been "pish", "shite", "not good enough for Rangers" etc. etc. etc.
He'll develop really well in Germany. They are light years ahead of us in terms of developing young players. I think it's an excellent move for young Master Bates. I doubt if he would ever reach his full potential playing in this country, where running about a lot and going in hard is valued above actual technical ability.
I wish the young man well and hope he does superbly out at HSV.