LEE HOLMES is desperate to secure a second loan month at the County Ground and the tricky winger isn't ruling out extending his stay even further.
The youngster admits his confidence has soared during his brief spell in Wiltshire and he is in no mood to see it all come to a rather premature end.
Manager Andy King has already spoken to the 17-year-old and his agent about the situation and it only remains for Derby boss George Burley to give the green light.
Holmes, pictured, still has another two matches before his initial month runs out but nothing would please him more than to extend his stay.
He said: "It has been a great month, I'm feeling a lot more confident and I feel spending time here is really helping my development as a footballer.
"I'm enjoying myself and the gaffer seems to be happy with my contribution.
"I felt it was a good time for me to go out on loan and I think I'm benefiting from it. I'd be more than happy to stay here for another month and then look again.
"That's obviously up to the gaffer at Derby and the manager here."
It's a case of one step at a time for the moment.
He said: "We'll see what happens but I've settled in well and there's nothing like playing first team football in front of a crowd.
"I honestly believe we can make the play-offs and hopefully I can play my part in making it happen.
"We'll certainly give it everything in trying to do it.
"We've beaten the likes of Brentford and Bradford and I don't think we were too far off at Sheffield Wednesday."
A steady supply of crosses from the left wing has been forthcoming but Holmes is anxious to put one thing right before he returns to Derby at some point.
He said: "I'm overdue a goal and hopefully I can put that right sooner rather than later. I haven't scored since Derby beat Wimbledon (now M K Dons) last November."
Manager Andy King has been delighted with the youngster's contribution, hailing his skill and discipline.
He said: "The boy loves it here and I've spoken to him about the situation.
"He's done well and I don't think we have to worry about any other clubs in this division getting him as he's happy here.
"You just worry sometimes if someone from the league above comes in.
"Still, as I've said before, that's the monster you create sometimes in loan situations."
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