12/11/2008 - Stags keen to extend sinclair loan deal
Emile Sinclair will not be playing his last game for Mansfield Town against Salisbury City on Saturday, if boss Billy McEwan has his way.The winger/striker's one-month loan from Nottingham Forest is due to run out after the game against the Whites.
But McEwan is hopeful he can persuade Reds boss Colin Calderwood to let him keep the 20-year-old, who has netted twice in five starts and one substitute appearance since joining the Stags.
And having allowed Sinclair to become cup-tied, the feeling is the Reds will be happy to see him gain more experience.
"Early on, Emile was a little bit nervous, which was to be expected, but in the last couple of games he has come on to something like the good prospect Forest hope he will be," said McEwan.
"Hopefully, he will get a goal or two for us on Saturday, but we are looking to extend the loan and we will have to see what Forest say. He's a nice boy who works hard in training and he is a credit to Forest."
Yesterday, Mansfield Reserves lost 6-2 at Lincoln City. Chris Howarth, previously on the books of Bolton and Carlisle, was in goal while forward Steffan Morrison, who has been with Swansea City, also played.
McEwan said: "We are having a look at a couple of players on recommendations from other people.
"Young (Luke) Herriott is injured at the moment so we are looking for another keeper to give some competition for Paddy Gamble. But it is difficult to get one. There are a lot of people who would come to Mansfield but they all want to be in the first team. They don't just want to sit on the bench."
Michael Blackwood is unlikely to be fit for Saturday because of an ongoing ankle problem.
Mansfield's clash with Burton Albion on Sunday December 28 has moved to Monday December 29 (7.45pm).