Paul Jewell would like to keep on-loan midfielder Nacer Barazite until the end of the season.
Rams boss looking to extend Arsenal youngster's loan
Derby County manager Paul Jewell has revealed that he would like to keep on-loan Arsenal midfielder Nacer Barazite until the end of the season.
The 18-year-old is set to return to the Emirates on 31st December but Jewell is keen to have the deal extended.
The Dutchman has started 11 times in the league this season although he had to come off the bench to make an impact against Watford on Saturday.
With the score deadlocked at 0-0 Barazite set up striker Rob Hulse to fire home a late winner to end a run of three league games without a win for the club.
"We will look at it nearer the date," Jewell stated when quizzed over the Arsenal youngster's future.
"We would like to keep him until the end of the season but whether we can or not, we're not sure. We'll just have to wait and see."
The Rams are currently 15th in the Championship and find themselves eight points off relegation and eight points off the play-offs.
Important
The situation gives the club's fixtures over the festive period added significance as they may give a good indication of where the Rams will end up come the end of the season.
The narrow win over Watford has given Derby a much needed boost as Jewell admits that some of his players have been struggling from a lack of confidence.
"We had a long chat after Monday's game at Charlton and one or two of the lads admitted they were a little low on confidence," he added.
"Sometimes when you take players out of the team it gives them a little bit of a breather. I think this worked for Kris (Commons) and Nacer.
"When Nacer came on he gave us that little bit of quality and confidence. I gave him almost two weeks off from the first team because he had hit the wall a little bit.
"We would like to give these lads, like Miles Addison at 19 a rest but we just haven't got the bodies to do it.
"That's why I gave Miles the captain's armband against Watford to give him a boost and he did well.
"He has now played for Derby, his team, captained them at Pride Park and got a victory. It was a great occasion for him and his parents will be really proud."
