Rovers are set to agree to AFC Fylde’s proposed loan extension for Dan Pike - despite their recent issues at right back.

The National League North leaders signed Pike on a one-month loan on September 10, and with that nearing an end, the Coasters are keen to strike an extended agreement through to January.

Pike has played in two league matches, and two FA Cup ties, during his time with Jim Bentley’s side after agreeing his loan switch.

The 19-year-old was a regular for the Under-23s last season, but having failed to make his senior debut, Rovers were keen to give him more experience out on loan.

Rovers had been keen to ensure EFL moves for their young players, but after those didn’t materialise for some during the transfer window, they took the non-league route.

Now they look set to agree to an extension through to January where they will look at the prospect of league football for Pike.

Despite not yet making his senior debut for Rovers, Pike has trained regularly with the first-team and made the matchday squad for the first time in January.

Rovers have been left short at right back, with Tyler Magloire having to fill in at Blackpool, and John Buckley as a right wing-back at Huddersfield Town, with Ryan Nyambe unavailable because of concussion, and Joe Rankin-Costello not yet fit with his comeback from a fractured metatarsal having been delayed.

Hayden Carter has previously filled in on the right side of the defence when Nyambe missed three matches earlier in the season because of a hamstring issue, but the 21-year-old has been required at centre half in the wake of Darragh Lenihan’s absence with a thigh problem.

However, with Nyambe and Lenihan set to return against Coventry City, Scott Wharton and Jan Paul van Hecke also on the comeback trail with a game scheduled for the pair this week, as well as Rankin-Costello, Rovers feel they have enough cover at the back to agree to an extension for Pike.

The teenager impressed against the Coasters in the pre-season friendly, which Rovers won 1-0, enough to see him snapped up on loan when the opportunity arise.

Fylde are back in action on Saturday when they head to Spennymoor Town, aiming to continue a fine start to the season that has seen them take 19 points from a possible 21.

He was the second Rovers youngster to agree to a loan move into the National League, with Jack Vale having joined FC Halifax Town until January.

The 20-year-old forward has made just three substitute appearances so far and is currently away with Wales Under-21s. He will be aiming to continue the form which saw him score a hat-trick in last month’s 4-0 win in Bulgaria.