Bury boss Alan Knill concedes he's likely to lose on-loan Manchester United striker Nicky Ajose when his loan expires at the end of the month.

Such has been the 19-year-old's impact in his five appearances so far, it appears he has played his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the Carling Cup game against Wolves at the end of this month - ending any hopes of extending his deal for now.

Knill would certainly be happy to keep the Bury-born teenager if United changed their mind, but is also pragmatic enough to know the potential long-term benefits of sending a player back to Old Trafford who has blossomed under his tutelage.

"We're quite lucky to have him because he's a very good player," the Shakers boss told the Bury Times.

"He could play a lot higher than League Two but it's important for his development that Manchester United have allowed us to have him. The deal was just for a month and we haven't enquired because, firstly, he's their player and we're thankful we've got him for a month. He could have gone to a lot of places, but he chose to come to us.

"We're delighted to have him and we'll see from here. The main thing is that he's developing as a player.

"I think they've got a plan for him and he's their player. If they wanted to extend it, then we definitely would."