STAN TERNENT is delighted at extending Liam Dickinson’s loan stay for a third and final month – and hasn’t ruled out a bid to make the move permanent.

The Derby striker makes his 11th appearance as Town aim to bounce back from Tuesday’s 5-3 League I defeat at Hartlepool when they visit Peterborough tomorrow.

Dickinson’s double at Victoria Park took his club goal tally to six, and Ternent is confident there are more to come from the 23-year-old.

“Liam’s not the finished article, but he’s certainly going in the right direction,” said Ternent, who has a doubt over his other loan man, Burnley striker Steve Jones, because of a groin problem.

“He’s a good lad to have around the club and he’s done a good job since he’s been here, leading the line well and scoring goals.

“Derby have done us a favour by agreeing to a third month, and hopefully we can repay them by giving him more experience and making him an even better player.”

Ternent confirmed Andy Booth will have his back operation on Tuesday and added: “I could have got Liam for the season, but of course I didn’t know then what would happen to Boothy.

“Derby have a 24-hour recall and the loan rules mean he’s got to go back there after the Leeds game (on November 15) whatever happens.

“But if Liam is available and we’re in a position to do something when the transfer window reopens in January, we may well look at the situation.

“I’ve already spoken to Liam himself and (Derby manager) Paul Jewell about that possibility, so we’ll see what develops.”

There will be pre-match checks for Jones and Jon Worthington, who needed six stitches in a facial wound picked up at Hartlepool, ahead of the clash with Darren Ferguson’s eighth-placed side, who are unbeaten in eight.

Town, who are 16th, have a good record at London Road, winning on their last three visits (2-1 in 2004-05, 1-0 in 2002-03 and 2-1 in 2000-01) and losing only twice in eight games there.

But Ternent knows his team will have to be on their mettle, saying: “They’re a good side who were promoted last season and have made a good start this time. It will be a test, but it’s a match we can win.”