NIGEL Clough is looking to give some of his young prospects more match experience through loan deals.
Ben Fox and Ryan Delaney could be two of the players possibly heading out on loan.
Clough said: “Ben is at the stage now where we are looking to get him out and get him some football.
“Experience is what he is lacking at the moment. We are strong in the midfield area –we have Lee Williamson and Hamza Choudhury sitting on the bench at the moment so it’s difficult for Ben to challenge when everyone is fit.”
Changes in the loan system this season mean EFL clubs can’t sign players outside of the transfer windows but Conference clubs are not restricted the same way.
Clough said: “So that’s what we are looking for with Ben and Ryan Delaney is probably in the same situation. They have been in the squad, they have been involved, they have been on the bench but it’s hard for them when everyone is fit.
Joe Sbarra is the latest Academy product to earn a pro-contract but Clough isn’t thinking of sending him out on loan.
“Not at this stage,” said the manager. “Maybe when he gets to the same stage as Ben Fox. They reach a level where the under 23s means they don’t progress that much as they need first team football. Joe isn’t at that point yet but Ben Fox is.
“Joe needs to train with the first team. He has done well, got his professional contract and he’s delighted with it.”
How much business Clough looks to do in the January transfer window will depend on the squad injury situation come Christmas.
He said: "We don’t want players sitting in the stands and not playing. The likes of Damien McCrory and Callum Reilly are too good for that. It just means we have a fully fit squad at the moment. You don’t expect that after 14 games but fortunately they are all fit.”