Scunthorpe United are today in negotiations to try to extend the loan stay of the player manager Alan Knill calls 'a proper centre-half'.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Shane Duffy has impressed during his month at Glanford Park, so much so the Iron are hoping to hold on to him for a while longer.

Yesterday's 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town was the 19-year-old's fourth appearance for United and Knill is confident Premier League side Everton will be happy for him to remain where he is.

"I've spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone's first team," said the Iron boss.

"It's better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well rather than the reserves.

"That's what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that's what he's doing. And I have to say, I think he's getting better.

"The thing I like most about him is when the ball comes into the box, he really wants to head it – before anybody else. He's a proper centre-half."

Holding on to Duffy, whose current loan deal expires at the end of the week, has been made all the more important given his centre-back partner Paul Reid is likely to face a spell on sidelines with a facial injury suffered against the Glovers.

Reid was forced off in the 64th minute with a broken nose and could also have fractured his cheekbone following a clash of heads at a corner.

That yesterday re-opened the door for Michael Nelson, who came off the bench for his first appearance in three weeks.

And having turned down the opportunity to leave Scunthorpe on loan little more than a week earlier, the 31-year-old suddenly has a chance to prove his experience can aid United's climb up the League One table.

"I didn't really see what happened to Reidy, but when I saw his nose, I could see why he'd come off," Knill said of the former Colchester defender's injury.

"It looks like it broken and I think they are checking his cheekbone as well.

"It's disappointing, but I thought Nels did really well when he came on. Full credit to him.

"He's been disappointed to have been dropped, but when you get your chance, you come on and perform. That's what he did."