Nottingham Forest are yet to get a January transfer deal over the line, which is keeping Alex Mighten very much in the first-team fold.
The 17-year-old is the latest academy graduate to drop off the production line.
Two senior outings have been taken in to date.
Both of those have come in cup competition against Premier League heavyweights.
Mighten’s competitive experience consists of outings against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Before seeing any game time at the City Ground, he has already graced Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge.
Not a bad way to start!
He will, however, be desperate to get an outing in on home soil.
It could be that his big moment arrives on Sunday.
Given the lack of movement when it comes to possible arrivals, matchday spots are still up for grabs.
Had Forest got a striker and/or another winger in by now, then the picture would be different.
Experienced reinforcements would be dropped into the starting XI or on the bench.
Prominent
Sabri Lamouchi is still working with what he started the season with.
A group which now sees Mighten taking on a more prominent role.
Any temptation to offer him a Championship bow at Reading was resisted last time out.
He was an unused substitute during a dramatic meeting with the Royals.
The Reds are now back on Trentside.
Back-to-back home dates lie in store against Luton and Reading.
There is every chance that Mighten will, as thing stand, figure in at least one of those fixtures.
In an ideal world, a City Ground debut will be taken in against the Hatters.
If everything goes to plan, then Lamouchi’s side will swot aside rock-bottom opponents with the minimum of fuss this weekend.
Including Mighten from the off may prove a step too far.
If tweaks are to be made, then the likes of Joe Lolley will be first in the pecking order.
Talented
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A comfortable afternoon versus Luton would, however, throw a door wide open for a talented teenager.
If Forest can take control of proceedings and avoid the kind of scares that have become commonplace of late, then why not get Mighten involved?
Minutes at this stage will aid his ongoing development considerably.
Blooding youngsters is always easier when things are going well.
Forest are four unbeaten in the Championship, with only the last kick of the game at the Madejski Stadium denying them a run of four straight wins.
A feel-good factor has been maintained throughout the season – annual early December wobble aside.
Mighten has already shown, against top tier opposition, that he has no fear.
If he is called upon over the coming days, then he no longer represents a risk.
Instead, he could prove to be a useful ace up the sleeve – an option to bring X-factor against tiring opponents.
It is important to keep him grounded and not expect too much, too soon, but when a window of opportunity presents itself then it is important to climb through.
That remains the case regarding events off the field, as the search continues for new additions.
It should also apply on the pitch, with Mighten straining at the leash.
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