Todd will wait until the time is right

From the archive, first published Saturday 9th Dec 2006.

City will discuss the future of Derby loan duo Lee Holmes and Nathan Doyle once the London tour is over.

The teenage pair's temporary stay at Valley Parade is due to expire after the Carlisle away game on New Year's Day - and Colin Todd would like their position sorted before the crowded Christmas period kicks in.

He has been in regular contact with County boss Billy Davies throughout the season and intends to talk again once City have got their run of trips to the capital out the way.

Todd said: "I've had a lot of conversations with Billy but we'll wait until the time is right to come to a decision. We might leave it until after the cup game.

"The last time I spoke to the two lads they were up for it but we'll have to see the

situation."

Doyle, pictured, has been a real success story, with the 19-year-old's energetic

displays at right back pushing out the far more

experienced Richard Edghill.

Holmes, who is three months younger than his Pride Park team-mate, started the season superbly, though his form has tailed off during City's recent slump. He has been hampered by an ankle injury which kept him out again this afternoon.

Should City push to keep them both, it is unlikely that Derby would raise any

objections. They have seven players currently out on loan - five in League One - and are well stocked at both left wing and right back.

Davies tends to operate with a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation, using a striker wide on the left such as former Huddersfield hitman Jon Stead - on loan from Sunderland - or Arsenal's Arturo Lupoli.

Youngster Ryan Smith, picked up from the Gunners in the summer, is also a very similar player to Holmes and he has not been in the starting line-up since September.

Derby are also well off on the right side of defence, where regular choice Marc Edworthy is backed by Richard Jackson.

Holmes became the youngest recourse to the weather and get everyone together in a team

environment before the season starts a month later. I am delighted that TD Sport and Travel have been able to arrange everything for us."