Derby County boss Paul Warne has made plans in case Everton star Lewis Dobbin returns to the Toffees.

The 19-year-old has been with the Everton academy since he was 11.

Dobbin signed for League One outfit Derby in August, but he can be recalled.

"I think Will (William Osula, striker on loan from Sheffield United) and Dobbs have plenty to give us. Are they both good to start every game this season? No, they're not," Warne told Derbyshire Live.

“But then I couldn't guarantee that to a Collo (James Collins), McGoldrick (David) or a Conor Hourihane but I think they're contributing nicely. I like having them here and they have been brilliant options for me to start or to bring off the bench because they've both got pace in their game.

“But what I think, what their parental clubs think - and I try to keep the lines of conversation open all the time - and what their agents think are two different things.

"I would like to think that they'll stay here, but I have to plan in case I get a phone call on January 2 to say there's been an injury at X club, they're going back and you need to make a plan and decide who you want to bring in to replace. That's the constant struggle you have."