Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson plans to run the rule over Max Kilsby at close quarters this month after the end of his Annan Athletic loan.
The Blues manager has not ruled out allowing the young defender to make another temporary move as part of his development.
But Simpson first wants to take a close look at the 20-year-old in training and games before making such a decision.
Annan would like to bring left-sided Kilsby back for the rest of the season but the left-sided player is currently back with United after his half-season spell at Galabank.
“We’ve brought Max back from his loan at Annan because I think it’s important we get him in and see him around our lads,” said Simpson.
“We’re hoping to have a couple of reserve games this month that he might be involved in.
“We’ll reassess that as we get to the end of the month and see if we allow him to go out again or keep him with us.”
Kilsby, who spent last season with Annan and helped them win promotion, has made 22 appearances for the Scottish League One club this season.
He has been a regular in Peter Murphy’s defence.
“I spoke to Peter Murphy and he said he would like to keep him when I had that conversation,” said Simpson.
“But he understood about [us] bringing him back and he said he may need to go and sign somebody else.
“So there may not be that opportunity, but it's something we continue to speak about.
“We'll see what happens and if we decide that Max needs to go out [on loan again] it’s something we’ll look at.”
United also have Jayden Harris out on loan at Eastleigh until January 20.
The midfielder has been getting regular game time with the National League club and Simpson is pleased with that situation.
But, again, the longer-term picture is yet to be determined.
“There have been conversations about that but no definite decision has been made,” said Simpson.
“There has been an enquiry from another club who want to take him, but Eastleigh have him at the moment so we’ll see what happens there.”
Simpson said Carlisle would initially be guided by Eastleigh’s intentions for the midfielder.
If Harris, 24, extends his loan with the Spitfires he could face Manchester United.
Eastleigh will host the Red Devils in the FA Cup fourth round if they win next week’s third round replay against Newport County.
The fourth round game would be played on the weekend of January 27, meaning Harris would need to agree an extension in order to be involved.
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