Jackett Eyes Loan - KOL Eyes Starting Place

Kenny Jackett and Kristian O'Leary have their sights set on different targets at this moment in time. O'Leary, back from injury is eyeing a place in the starting line up at Port Vale whilst Jackett is not ruling out a move into the loan market before his chances run out next week.

O'Leary has spent most of the past season and a half struggling for full fitness and just 22 starts since the club moved to the Liberty Stadium is living proof of that as he seems to be heading from one injury to another. Currently in his testimonial season, the long serving player is keen to make a comeback now especially with Darren Way, Darren Pratley and Owain Tudur Jones all ruled out for varying lengths of time.

Talking in tonight's Evening Post, O'Leary said "I drove past the Liberty Stadium yesterday and thought to myself 'It's a long time since I played there'," who hasn't played at the Liberty since the Carling Cup tie against Wycombe back in August "And of course that's a big disappointment to me. As a footballer you want to be playing - that's what you train all week for and work hard for. "Fingers crossed I'll get a chance sooner rather than later because I'm desperate to play but I don't know whether I'll play," he admitted. "That's the manager's decision - all I can do is give my best when I get the opportunity. "He hasn't said a lot to me lately, but he doesn't need to. "I'm experienced enough to know that things were not going as they should before I lost my place. "I get on fine with the gaffer and he knows the way I work. I'll keep working as hard as I would if I was in the team and that won't change.

"I enjoyed the games I did play," he added. "I just wish I'd been involved more consistently. "Not a lot has gone right for me lately and it's been really frustrating, but it's up to me to get back in and start doing what I did the year before last."

Meanwhile, Jackett has just one week to strengthen his squad with a loan signing - after next Thursday that door closes until the transfer window opens again on January 1. With Way and Tudur Jones long term casualties, Jackett seems keen enough to bring in a new face to follow that of Marcos Painter who signed today

''I am looking to bring someone in if I can,'' Jackett said. ''There's nothing imminent because the standard of player I could have got this week has been no better than what we've already got. ''I've got Leon Britton, Andy Robinson, Shaun MacDonald, Kris O'Leary and possibly Alan Tate who can play in the centre of midfield. ''I'm looking for better than that if I'm going to sign anyone, or possibly a younger player.''

''I'm going to be lucky to see Owain and Darren (Way) before Christmas,'' he admitted, "and certainly we could be left short if we lose any more. ''I'll keep on working and hopefully I'll find the kind of player we want.''

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls