Bristol City are set to recall Jamie Paterson from his loan spell at Derby County due to the limited playing time he has received at Pride Park this term, according to Bristol Live.

Paterson joined the Rams on a season-long loan deal from Lee Johnson's side over the summer, but he has not been a regular contributor at his new side after being limited to just five league starts by Derby boss Phillip Cocu.

The Rams boss is now reportedly set to lose Paterson's services in January, with Bristol City set to re-integrate Paterson into their side as they prepare for a promotion push in the second half of the season.

It did come as a surprise that the Robins were willing to let Paterson join their Championship rivals back in August, and it will now be intriguing to see how Johnson chooses to utilise Paterson from January onwards.

The fact this development has emerged some time before January means Paterson will now be even more eager to impress during any further matches he plays for the Rams, as he will be in the knowledge that his parent club will be watching him closely.

Paterson should be feeling encouraged by the fact Bristol City are set to recall him, as this clearly means they have plans to utilise him during the remainder of the season, but he will also be aware that he now faces stiff competition for a place in the Robins' starting line-up.

Can you score maximum points in this Bristol City quiz? Have a go now!

Johnson already has a wide number of midfield options to choose from including the likes Kasey Palmer, Callum O'Dowda, Han-Noah Massengo and Niclas Eliasson, so it remains to be seen how much of a role Paterson will play for his parent club this term.

However, the former Nottingham Forest man does have a close affinity with both the club and supporters at Bristol City, which is one reason why he must welcome the chance to contribute to their campaign.

It may take time for him to adjust before contributing to the club's push for promotion in the second half of the campaign, but Paterson does now have a prime opportunity to remind Bristol City of his quality.