Town owner Marcus Evans is set to hold a meeting with midfielder Josh Carson’s agent regarding a new contract for the Northern Ireland international. The 18-year-old’s current terms are up at the end of the season.
Manager Paul Jewell said: "I spoke to Marcus during the week and he’s trying to set up a meeting with his agent.
"I talked to his agent in the summer and it’s a bit of an ongoing thing, but we’re very hopeful we can tie Josh up because we want to keep him here.”
Regarding skipper Grant Leadbitter, who is also amongst the 18 players whose current deal is up at some point between now and the summer, the Blues boss says there have been no new developments: "There’s no progress on Grant. We haven’t spoken to Grant.
"There are a few players out of contract, as we all know, and at the moment there’s no dialogue [with Grant]. There was at the start of the season, but as far as I’m aware it’s on hold at the moment.”
Carson has been in the squad for the last two games but has failed to make the 16 but looks likely to come into the picture for Saturday, although Jewell wouldn’t confirm his inclusion against Doncaster: "Josh is always an option but there are plenty of options when you’ve got a squad.
"It’s a squad game, as I’ve said on lots of occasions. Someone’s misfortune with injury or loss of form might be someone else’s good fortune.”
Jewell has admitted being impressed with the Northern Irishman’s recent form in training with the midfielder’s academy team-mate Cody Cropper tweeting a similar view yesterday: "Josh Carson was on fire today in training!”
Carson was in the reserves side which lost 2-1 to Arsenal on Tuesday and was one of a number of players the Town manager feels will have benefited from the match: "Some people needed the game. Some people haven’t played for a while, Lee Martin and people like that, so it was good for them to get a game.
"I’ll take on board how the reserves played and the attitude of the players was first class. With the injuries, there might be an opportunity for some players who haven’t been in the team on Saturday and it’s up them to try and take it.”
Martin, who hasn’t played since angering his manager with his red card at Peterborough, could also be in with a chance of a return to the side or at least the squad: "Like every other player who is available for selection, Lee is in consideration. If he gets a call, he’ll certainly be ready.”
Colin Healy, whose only game this season was in the Carling Cup against Northampton in August, was also involved with the reserves and Jewell says the 31-year-old Irishman and the other fringe players all still have a chance of making a return to the first team: "I spoke with Colin last week. Colin’s a good professional and he just wants to play. He’s frustrated he’s not playing, like all players.
"I don’t like the word ‘off-load’, if something comes up that suits us and suits him, maybe we’ll listen to it.
"The likes of Colin, Lee Martin, Josh Carson, Tommy Smith and all those players who haven’t been in the picture, the door is never shut.
"As far as I’m concerned, as long they’re giving their best and trying their best in training every day, they’ll always be considered.”