Hartlepool United manager discusses possibility of recalling striker Josh Donaldson from loan spell
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone has ruled out the possibility of recalling either Josh Donaldson or Kian Foreman from their loan spells.
Young defenders Louis Stephenson and Campbell Darcy were both called back from loans this week and now look set to feature in Saturday's FA Trophy clash against Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Anstey Nomads.
The duo's return has prompted some Pools fans to throw support behind a recall for Donaldson, who has been impressing on loan at Northern Premier League East Division promotion-chasers Dunston UTS.
The 20-year-old striker signed for Pools over the summer following a successful trial period with the club but was immediately shipped out on loan to the Fed, leading to consternation among some fans who had hoped to see him remain as part of the first team squad.
Certainly, the former Newcastle frontman appears to have benefitted from his time at the UTS Stadium, scoring 10 goals in 19 matches.
With Danny Johnson, who has failed to find the net in any of his first 21 Pools appearances, enduring a barren spell in front of goal, there are plenty of supporters who would like to see Donaldson recalled to add to their attacking options.
The departure of teenage forward Foreman, meanwhile, also came as something of a surprise after the youngster was rewarded for a handful of impressive cameos with his first professional contract in October.
Nonetheless, Featherstone insists he has no immediate plans to recall either of the loanees, although he also revealed he would be keeping them in mind when it came to future selection decisions.
"No (a recall), isn't something we're thinking about," the Pools boss told The Red Radio.
"Those two need game time against men, the best opportunity for them is out on loan at the minute.
"That's not saying that they won't be considered in the future, but for their development - for both the club and the player - it's important for them to be playing in an environment where winning and losing means something.
"Although when they play for the youth team here they're getting game time, I think it's important for them to go and match themselves up against some adults, some proper men."