Clough in plea over hero Jake

NIGEL CLOUGH will beg Southampton to let Burton keep on-loan Carabao Cup hero Jake Hesketh.

The Saints midfielder (above) fired Nigel Clough’s side into the last four on Tuesday – but his loan deal ends before the glamour ties kick off in January.

Brewers boss Clough (below) said: “We are trying to extend it, we would love to keep him.

“It depends on what we can do with Southampton. We have limited resources going into the semi-final.

“Hopefully, that will give him the incentive to stay and keep playing because he is a young player who is improving.

“I think he wants to stay. I spoke to him a few weeks ago and we asked Southampton. We have got him on a very, very good deal and would like to continue that, if we can.

“He is benefiting from it, he is growing and improving as a player and I hope Southampton will recognise that.”

Hesketh has played twice in the Saints’ first team and their new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is already aware of his potential.

Hesketh, 22, said: “Everyone’s aim is to play in the Premier League and that is my goal too.

“It’s nice to know they are watching because, as much as I want to impress people here and prove myself to everyone, the people at Southampton are the people I probably want to impress the most.

“That’s the team I ultimately want to get into.

“Whenever the time comes that I go back, I want to impress the new manager and put a case forward to be in his team.

“I had a little spell there, but it was a few years ago now.

“For now, it is all about playing for this Burton side and trying to get us another step further.”