FULHAM are confident of being able to extend James Husband’s loan spell at Craven Cottage, with their manager, Kit Symons, having been impressed with the Middlesbrough defender’s efforts so far.

Husband’s current one-month loan agreement is due to expire after Fulham’s derby game with QPR tomorrow evening, but Symons has already signalled his desire to keep the left-back for longer.

Aitor Karanka is expected to allow Husband to remain in South-West London as he regards Fernando Amorebieta as sufficient cover for first-choice full-back George Friend.

Amorebieta is primarily a centre-half, but the Spaniard has played at left-back before and would be capable of slotting into the role if Friend was to suffer an injury or suspension.

Husband, whose first-team chances have been limited since he joined Middlesbrough from Doncaster Rovers, has made three senior appearances since moving to Fulham last month.

“I’d like to extend Hubby’s loan,” confirmed Symons. “He’s come in and done really well, and we would like to keep him here longer.

“Luke Garbutt is back in full training now, and we’re going to need a strong squad for this challenge in the Championship.

“It’s tough and we are going to lose players through injuries or suspensions, and we’re going to need a really strong squad. Hubby’s been brilliant and I’m delighted we’ve got him. The longer we can keep him, that would be great.”

While Karanka is willing to extend Husband’s stay away from the Riverside, the Boro head coach is still pondering what to do with left midfielder Adam Reach.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett discussed Reach’s position in person on Tuesday night, and the Molineux club are keen to take the 22-year-old on loan after Nouha Dicko was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Boro discovered today that their Capital One Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester United will not be televised live as Sky have instead selected Sheffield Wednesday’s game with Arsenal and Liverpool’s meeting with Bournemouth for their two live matches.

Boro’s trip to Old Trafford will be their first visit to the stadium since 2008, with more than 5,500 away fans expected to have the chance to cross the Pennines to roar them on.

Manchester United booked their fourth-round spot with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ipswich Town yesterday evening, but their manager, Louis van Gaal, expects Boro to offer a sterner test when the two sides meet next month.

“Middlesbrough are one of the top clubs in the Championship, so it is not easy,” said van Gaal. “But I am very happy with the result (of the draw).

“I am happy we are playing at home. We are travelling a lot at the moment, so it is good to stay at home.”