Derby County boss Paul Warne says he is not "strongly considering" recalling Carlisle United loan striker Jack Stretton.

The Rams boss has not completely ruled out bringing back the frontman back to Pride Park next month.

But the signs are that the League One club are happier for Stretton to remain at Brunton Park and see out his season-long loan with the Blues.

United are keen to retain the 21-year-old for the full campaign.

And Warne, speaking to the Derby Telegraph, said: "I think he's doing well.

"He's scoring goals and playing games, then realistically if I'm to bring him back and not to play him...then he's developing better playing games without a shadow of a doubt.

"Currently it isn't something that I'm strongly considering, although it is always in the back of my mind."

Stretton has scored twice in 19 Carlisle appearances so far in a first half of the season when he has also been limited by ankle injuries.

The frontman has been a substitute in recent weeks and should be in the squad for next Tuesday's rearranged trip to Northampton Town.

United boss Paul Simpson this week said the Blues were likely to retain Stretton unless circumstances changed at his parent club, who are seventh in League One.

“They [Derby] can’t give us a definitive answer, but what they’re saying at the moment is they don’t expect to be recalling him, unless they have a massive injury crisis,” said Simpson of Stretton.

“I think we’ll only know when it comes to that window in January. The signs are that we’re able to keep him, and we’ve just got to wait and see."

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