Derby County goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell could be sent out on loan this month, according to The Derby Telegraph.

Derby are hoping to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window to provide back-up for in form star Scott Carson and if they succeed in doing so, Mitchell could be on his way out.

Derby manager Gary Rowett has hinted that Mitchell could be shipped out as the Rams would prefer a goalkeeper with experience should Carson get injured in the promotion run-in.

Rowett revealed:

"We've had a couple of enquiries for Jonny. For us, Jonny is a really top young goalkeeper but it's hard to see how good he is when he's sat on the bench and not playing.

"So there's that debate for us - would we be better off bringing an experienced number two in should we be in a position where we need that experience in a big game with five games to go, for example?

"That's not to say I don't think Jonny Mitchell can do that - I think he can - but it might be that we feel he needs 20 games at the end of the season to really start to see his value."

Derby are thought to be interested in signing Tomasz Kuszczak from Birmingham City.

He fits the bill as an experienced player at this level and his arrival would be a short term solution, allowing Mitchell to leave the club on loan.

Rowett added:

"We've had a couple of loan offers for Jonny, which would be a good opportunity to get games. It's not really something I want to do but I've got to try to think about the player as well and his career. We'll always do that rather than just be selfish and do what's right for us all the time."

The Verdict

Jonathan Mitchell needs games and this is a very wise move from Rowett. He knows that if Carson gets injured for the last few games, he needs someone with experience to come in rather than a talented young prospect. If Mitchell can go to a League One club and get some experience, he will return to Derby a better player next season.

Derby fans - Do you like this move? Let us know below...