Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton has admitted that he hoped the Imps can hold onto the club's loan quartet past the month of January, with the likes of Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson and Robbie Gotts of Leeds United having impressed so far.
All four of the League One club's loan players have played crucial roles in getting the third division outfit into the early running for an unlikely promotion this term, with Appleton's men currently occupying second place in the standings.
As with most loans at all levels of the Football League, said parent clubs tend to review each player's progress during January before deciding whether to recall the loanee or not from their temporary destination.
Speaking to Lincolnshire Live, Appleton was quick to admit that he doesn't want to lose any of the four players: “I’m hoping they all stay but there’s always a window, of either a week of 10 days, where they can be pulled back or we can send them back.
“The idea behind bringing them in was to keep them for the full season.
Quiz: Which club did Nottingham Forest sell each of these 20 players to?
“It wasn’t a case of just do it until January, and hopefully that’ll be the case with all of them.”
Johnson in particular has been in brilliant form for the Imps, contributing one goal and four assists in the league so far.
The Verdict
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Forest did indeed recall Johnson, with the teenager having shown that he can perform to a great level on a consistent basis so far during his time with Lincoln.
It reminds me of the Tyler Walker situation that we saw last term, and for that reason I think Forest could strike again and bring back their man in order to supplement the attacking options that Chris Hughton already has at his disposal.
From the player's point of view, it is just a case of keeping head down for the time being, with there still being a significant amount of games to be played before we reach January.
Personally, I think remaining out on loan for the rest of the current campaign would be the best option for Johnson, as he is at least guaranteed to be a regular starter under Appleton at Sincil Bank.