RICHIE Wellens has not begun to plot a route to keeping Anthony Grant at Swindon Town beyond the turn of the year, although admits he would love to retain the midfielder’s services.

Grant is one of six loanees currently in the Swindon squad, although the 32-year-old is unique in that only his deal expires in January with the rest all being season-long agreements.

Midfielder Grant arrived at the Energy Check County Ground this summer after being frozen out at parent club Shrewsbury Town where he was forced to train with the reserves.

He has since gone onto establish himself as a regular pick in Wellens’ midfield at Swindon and has made 10 appearances for his new team so far.

Wellens is keen to keep hold of Grant beyond the initial deal until January, although he says moves to do so will not begin until much closer to the time.

And should Grant be required to return to Shrewsbury, the Town boss has his finger on the pulse regarding potential replacements.

When asked about the prospect of extending Grant’s stay at SN1, Wellens said: “It is not something I have started to think about.

“I am thinking about Walsall this weekend, that’s all you can do. After that, you think about Cheltenham in the FA Cup and whatever is coming up.

“We will get to January and then make a decision.

“I know every player in U23s football, I know every player who is in a Championship squad and not getting in, and League One squads who are not getting in.

“I do my homework and work hard to know every single player who is possibly out there.

“I would love to keep Anthony, but if not, I will have a Plan B.”

Grant has impressed throughout his brief time at Town and produced another standout display in last weekend’s League Two win away at Crawley Town.

The midfielder set up Eoin Doyle’s opening goal after five minutes – a strike that ultimately set the tone for an emphatic 4-0 success.

Wellens added: “In the first half, 90 per cent of second balls picked up in midfield were by Anthony.

“Then when we changed our shape and he was the pivot at the bottom of it, he managed to get on the ball and keep us ticking over.

“He is a good footballer, experienced, keeps the game simple, knows his position very well and gets around the pitch.

“When he is getting assists, that is just a bonus.”