Manager Alan Knill is hopeful of extending defender Shane Duffy's spell at Scunthorpe United beyond January, and possibly until the end of the season.

Currently on a youth loan from Everton, the 19-year-old has impressed in his 14 games at the club.

"As always when you've got a loan player, it's the parent club that will dictate," Knill explained.

"But I'm quite sure Everton will want him to keep playing and we want him to keep playing.

"We'll wait and see when that time comes around, speak to Everton and see what they have to say.

"I think the main thing for all those clubs is they see their players are playing.

"If they're not, then you probably haven't got any chance.

"The idea is they play and, at the same time, the feedback we send them, the DVDs, they see for themselves how well they're doing and what we're trying to do with them.

"You're hopeful that it's positive and then they go, 'yes, keep him until the end of the season or whatever because it's doing him good'.

"You're always hopeful, but you never know. That's the risk you take with a loan player.

"But for such a young lad, he's done quite well.

"I've been delighted with him."