Aberdeen are looking to extend the loan deal of Derby County full-back Max Lowe according to manager Derek McInnes.
The left back moved to Pittodrie in the summer on a six month loan deal, but now the Dons boss wants to extend that deal to the end of the season. The 21-year old has been impressive since arriving from the Rams.
Speaking to the Evening Express, McInnes spoke about Lowe’s situation, and hopes he can convince Derby boss Frank Lampard to let him keep the English full-back.
“I spoke with Frank a couple of weeks ago and he is well aware where Max is, how we feel about it and how Max feels about it,” said McInnes.
“I am not putting words in Frank’s mouth, but in an ideal world he will see the benefit of Max staying here for the season.
“However, Max is Derby’s player and they might feel the best place for him and them is for Max to be back at Derby for the second half of the season. We are hoping that is not the case because Max has been fantastic for us.”
Lampard has a decision to make
One thing that could persuade Chelsea legend Lampard to take Lowe back to Derby is the lack of cover at left-back. Despite the fact Lampard seems happy with the 20-year old’s progress, his hand could be forced by the recent injury to Craig Forsyth.
The Scottish full back will miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. This leaves the Rams boss with just one recognised left back. Lowe was third choice behind Keogh and Scott Malone,which is why he was sent to the Dons.
This doesn’t mean he isn’t wanted, however, as he started the Pride Park side’s opening two Championship fixtures in August.
Lampard faces a major decision. Does he allow Lowe to progress in the Granite City, or use the youngster to fix his full back woes?
For McInnes, losing him would be a massive blow. He offers width in attack, with his direct runs past Gary Mackay-Steven on the left hand side causing major problems for opposition right-backs. He showed his pedigree in the Betfred Cup Final with a very good performance against Celtic.
For the sake of his development, he has to stay at Aberdeen. He won’t be a regular starter for Derby, but he will be at Pittodrie should he stay beyond January.