Trialist Dean McDonald is weighing-up whether to accept a deal which would keep him with the Blues until the end of the season. The winger, released by Arsenal last summer, has impressed in U18 and reserve games over the last couple of months.

The 18-year-old scored twice for the U18s in a 3-0 win against Fulham, ironically having scored twice for the Cottagers in a 5-2 victory over the Blues earlier in the season when on a trial with the Londoners.

Since then he has impressed in reserve matches against Watford and in the two recent Coventry matches.

Manager Joe Royle told the club site: "We have offered Dean a contract and he is discussing it with his father and representative this week."

Town have decided not to offer a deal to Irish midfielder John Paul Kelly who had been on trial at the same time as McDonald.

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