Derby County's manager says they will keep Carlisle United waiting on whether or not they will recall Jack Stretton.

But Paul Warne has said they will not interrupt the striker's season-long loan with the Blues unless he has a chance of starting games in League One.

Stretton has impressed in a 16-game spell so far since joining Paul Simpson's squad from the third-tier Rams.

At a time clubs are weighing up their options ahead of the January transfer window, Warne discussed the Stretton situation in the Derby Telegraph.

He said: "I haven't had any conversations with him [Stretton] yet, but I have watched some of his goals to be fair.

READ MORE: Simmo on Carlisle's January transfer window plans

"Richie Barker [Derby assistant] did speak to [Carlisle's] manager the other day to see how it was going. They asked if we were going to pull him back. They need to know but we said we would make that decision in December.

"Just leave him where he is - he's playing when he's fit. He's enjoying it. I am not saying we would not bring him back for the benefit of the club.

"But if I am not bringing him back to play then there's no point coming in and sitting behind everybody else."

Stretton has scored twice for the Blues and become a key member of Simpson's attacking options.

After recently returning from an ankle injury, the 21-year-old is hoping to push his way back into starting contention with Carlisle heading to Salford City this weekend.