John Sheridan admits he is in the dark over Fleetwood’s plans for Ashley Nadesan beyond his loan spell with Carlisle.

The striker was prevented from playing for the Blues in Saturday's FA Cup victory at Crewe by his parent club.

Sheridan said that may be a sign Joey Barton's League One outfit want to cash in on the frontman in January, once his half-season stint at Carlisle is up.

United’s manager, though, said he respected Fleetwood’s decision.

“I’m appreciative of Fleetwood letting us have [Jack] Sowerby for this game and both are available for Tuesday [against Stoke Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy],” Sheridan said.

“Both have come on loan to Christmas and whatever the next step us, I don’t know.”

“Nadesan’s scoring goals - whether they’re looking for a bit of money for him, and making sure he isn’t cup-tied for anyone who takes him, I don’t know,” Sheridan added.

“That’s what my thinking is but I won’t question it because I appreciate what they’ve done for us so far.”

Sheridan said he would “ask the question” about seven-goal Nadesan’s longer-term availability.

He added: “It’s unfortunate – if you’ve got someone on loan and he’s scoring goals, there’s going to be interest from other clubs. It’s entirely up to Fleetwood – he’s their player.”

“He’s still here until January so hopefully he can score another seven or eight goals for us and get us another [few] victories.”

Sheridan, meanwhile, said he was unlikely to receive any of Saturday’s £36,000 prize money to spend on players.

“I don’t think I’ll be seeing any of it so it’s not really worth talking about it,” he said.

“I’m just glad we're in the FA Cup and trying to get as far as we can in the competition.”

Sheridan praised United’s work-rate in their 1-0 win at Crewe despite admitting their football was not of the highest quality.

“The biggest thing is just getting through the tie and looking forward to the draw on Monday,” he said.

“We knew it would be a tricky game - Crewe are a good footballing side, but I never really felt in danger in the game.

“I thought it was evenly matched. We had the penalty and if that goes in it can make life a bit easier, but we defended well.

“It was a lucky goal, very disappointing on their part, but it’s great for us, so close to the end of the game.

“[Devitt] chased a lost cause. He possibly thought nothing would come from it but he’s taken a little bit of a chance.

“He’s high up the pitch, and you can afford to do it when it’s in the six-yard box.

“Luckily for us it’s hit him and ended up in the back of the net. It doesn’t matter how they go in.”

Regarding Crewe keeper Ben Garratt, whose clearance struck Devitt for the goal, Sheridan added: “You don’t wish it on anyone, and he’s played well, the keeper.

“But all I’m bothered about is us. The supporters had another long journey and I’m chuffed to bits for them. They turn out for us and won’t be bothered how we’ve got through.”

He added: “I think we’re a better passing team than we’re showing. We should be more positive on the ball. You can see the work-rate of the team - the likes of Jerry Yates, and young Regan Slater worked his socks off.

“But we gave the ball away so cheaply. We’ve got to do a lot better on the ball if we’re going to go anywhere.”

The manager said he was “not bothered” who Carlisle land in tomorrow night's second round draw, but would prefer a home tie.