Matt might be finished

MATT DERBYSHIRE: plays the last game of his loan period with Athletic tomorrow.

MATT Derbyshire has admitted another loan spell with Athletic is not quite at the top of his Christmas list.

The six-goal striker — who is still claiming to be on seven, despite the second at Colchester last week being credited as a Brian Wilson own goal — wants to make a permanent move away from Nottingham Forest when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Blackburn-based Derbyshire is completely frozen out at Forest – which led to his move to Athletic in the first place.

With his third child Cillian having been born recently, the 26-year-old is keen for the extra security a new, permanent contract away from the City Ground would bring.

Speculation mounted earlier today that he might be a target of Athletic’s League On rivals Sheffield United. But if that doesn’t come to pass, he would be more than happy to pick up in early 2013 where he leaves off tomorrow after the home game with Swindon.

“It’s about getting settled as a family and settled at a club,” said Derbyshire, who Athletic will hope to sign again after Forest have played Athletic in the FA Cup on January 5.

“If I had two choices, my first would be to move permanently somewhere. But if not, if the door is open here for a loan, I’ll be straight back.

“It has been great at Athletic; I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“Everyone around the club has been fantastic with me and I’ve been made to feel really welcome.

“Everywhere I go I just try to do well for the team. If the goals come, they come. After Saturday I won’t be starting and I don’t think I’ll be playing at Forest.

“All I can do is keep working hard. Swindon is my last game and it would be nice to sign off with three points.”