Michael Appleton admits he is concerned about Nottingham Forest potentially recalling Brennan Johnson in January.
Johnson was sent out on loan to Lincoln City in September, as the young midfielder went in search of regular game time.
The 19-year-old has since become a key player for Lincoln, scoring two goals and registering four assists for the Imps.
Lincoln have started the season strongly and Johnson has been a key reason behind their early success, thriving in a wide position.
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Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has recently said that he is keeping tabs on Johnson, and he will monitor the situation in January.
Speaking to BBC Lincolnshire, Appleton admits he is concerned about Forest potentially recalling the Wales international in January.
He said: "Yes, yes it does (concern me). There’s no doubt about it.
"It’s double-edged really, because the reality is that if he does get called back, or someone takes him, it’s because he’s either done well and he’s enjoyed his time at the football club because he’s able to flourish and play well and perform well.
"But at the same time, we have to be aware that if that does happen, or can happen, we add someone who’s potentially going to be able to come in and replace the likes of Brennan.
"It’s going to be very difficult because for a club our size, and I mean that with the greatest of respect, to have someone like Brennan here, the quality that he’s got, it takes us up to another level at times."
Lincoln are only three points off the top of the table in League One and have picked up seven wins from their first 11 games.
The Verdict
I really wouldn't see the point in Forest recalling Johnson in January, as it would do the player no good.
He is enjoying a fruitful loan spell at the LNER Stadium and is playing week in, week out, and I don't think he'd be a regular for Forest.
The exact same thing happened with Tyler Walker last season - the striker scored plenty of goals, but was recalled in January.
This did his no development no good at all, and he should have spent the whole season there to get regular game time under his belt.