ALLOA have started negotiations about extending deals for their impressive loanees this season.

Dario Zanatta, Jake Hastie have both impressed since joining from Hearts and Motherwell, respectively, while Sunderland's Connor Shields and Rangers' Liam Burt have shown their ability when called upon.

Aberdeen's Sam Roscoe has also been a huge presence for the Wasps this season, fostering a fruitful partnership with skipper Andy Graham in the heart of defence.

His contribution has been hailed by Wasps gaffer Jim Goodwin who has tipped the Dons defender to make his mark at a high level.

The manager would love to keep Roscoe and the others at the club for the rest of the campaign.

Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: "All of our loan player's deals are due to expire in January, but we're looking at negotiations to keep them on.

"It'll be up to their parent clubs, though. If we can't then we will need to work quickly to find replacements."

At the forefront of Goodwin's mind is centre half Roscoe and any summer dealings at Pittodrie.

The Dons will likely have potentially-lucrative offers coming in for Scotland international Scott McKenna when the January transfer window opens.

Should McKenna leave, Aberdeen could insist Roscoe remains in the Granite City, as back-up or even a potential replacement.

Goodwin said: "Sam is a major concern of mine as Derek McInnes may well want him back up the road.

"Should Aberdeen get an offer for Scott McKenna that they can't refuse, then they might look to Sam to come in. I know Aberdeen have also had their injury worries in defence too this season.

"For Sam's development, he needs to be playing regularly, and not sitting in the stands or on the bench somewhere.

"If he goes back to Aberdeen and plays regularly in the Premiership then great – we wish him all the best."

Goodwin has watched on as Roscoe struck up a partnership with captain Andy Graham, and feels his guidance has helped develop the 20-year-old's game.

He said: "Big Sam has settled in really well and has been excellent at the back along with Andy.

"He has been growing every week in terms of confidence. He had never really had a regular run at first team football before so it's a massive learning curb for him in the Championship.

"I know Derek McInnes watched him when we played at Tannadice and he was impressed with what he saw.

"A 6'3" centre half, with a left foot, is always going to be in demand. He's no slouch either and he's always learning.

"Like every young player, he makes mistakes, but he picks himself up and gets on with it.

"He has all the attributes to go on and become a terrific centre half. He's got the lot; he just has to keep progressing.

"There's no doubt Aberdeen have a decent player coming through with him.

"Having such a seasoned professional like Andy alongside him can only help him. Andy is a leader; just a great communicator.

"I think a lot of people have been surprised by him this season. I haven't; I knew what I was getting when I gave him another contract; I knew he could perform in the Championship.

"For me he is the best professional I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He is among the best defenders in the league and I wouldn't swap him for anyone."