Derby County manager Paul Warne has said he will make a decision on Jack Stretton next month after revealing talks with Carlisle United regarding the striker's future.

Stretton is currently on a season-long loan with the Cumbrians, where he has scored two goals in 16 appearances under boss Paul Simpson in League Two.

Warne has conducted the same talks with Krystian Bielik, who is on loan at Birmingham City, as he looks to increase his squad size, with Derby holding a recall option for both players.

But a firm decision is yet to be made, with Warne admitting he will only consider a recall if it benefits Stretton. Speaking to Derbyshire Live about the future of the 21-year-old, Warne said: "I haven't had any conversations with him yet, but I have watched some of his goals to be fair.

"Richie Barker [assistant manager] did speak to their manager the other day to see how it was going. They asked if we were going to pull him back. They need to know but we said we would make that decision in December."

Derby lack depth in most areas of the squad, with the striking position being no different. James Collins and William Osula are the club's only natural forwards with David McGoldrick also being able to play there.

Stretton made 12 appearances for the Rams last season under Wayne Rooney and scored his first senior goal in the 2-1 defeat away at Peterborough last August.

 

 

The Verdict

It's an interesting conundrum for Warne.

Stretton hasn't scored a hatful of goals so removing him from a team where he's playing regularly could be counter productive for the forward.

That being said, Derby are light in numbers in most areas of their squad and will be significantly helped should they have more bodies to choose from. It's a luxury that Warne hasn't had so far in his tenure and will be sure to address it come January.

However, whether he chooses to recall Stretton, or dip into the loan market, remains to be seen.