Chris Hughton says Nottingham Forest continue to monitor Brennan Johnson's situation as his loan spell goes from strength to strength.
Johnson scored twice for Lincoln City at the weekend as he produced a sensational performance in their 4-0 win against Northampton.
The 19-year-old now has four goals and five assists for Lincoln, playing largely in the number 10 position Forest have struggled to pin down all season.
Hughton says the balance has to be right when it comes to young players playing games to develop, suggesting Forest will not recall Johnson in January unless he is to feature heavily in the Championship.
"My thoughts haven't changed. We are continuing to monitor it," he added.
"It's brilliant to see he's doing well. At the moment, it's a success story.
"There will be numerous times where loan periods don't work out for players, but the good thing is he's played games.
"I'm keeping tabs on him and continually monitoring his situation."
Johnson has won one cap for Wales and played eight times for Forest.
The fact he is a teenager means the Reds could recall him without Johnson taking a place in their 25-man squad.
However, they will also be aware of Tyler Walker's plight, when he was recalled form Lincoln a year ago, only to play seven more times for Forest.
Six of those appearances were off the bench before he was sold to Coventry City.
