Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke insists Greg Kiltie has a big future at Rugby Park but revealed he could let him go out on loan if he can strengthen his side during the transfer window.
Kiltie made just his sixth appearance of the season in Killie's 2-0 William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round win over Forfar.
The talented 22-year-old attacker had been dogged by injury problems in recent campaigns and Clarke felt, prior to his arrival as manager, these were mismanaged as he was rushed back to action too quickly.
After opting to use him sparingly in the first half of the campaign, Clarke knows Kiltie is pushing for greater involvement.
And as loan star Greg Stewart will not be returning to Rugby Park, having now joined Aberdeen on loan after being recalled by parent club Birmingham, there may be more opportunities for Kiltie to impress.
Clarke said: "Greg Kiltie has been unfortunate with injury, but not this season. He hasn't been able to break into the team.
"I spoke with him in the summer and about the fact I feel he has been mismanaged because he's always been forced to come back too quickly after injury.
"We spoke about a prolonged period out of the team where he would work and train day to day, which he has done fantastically.
"Obviously now he's chapping my door quite regularly as he wants to play matches and he needs to play matches.
"It was my intention last week to let him go on loan, but, obviously, the circumstances which crept up meant I had to keep him around.
"It was nice to see him play and he'll be a big player for Kilmarnock in the future.
"At the moment, it looks as though he's staying in, although if I could bring in a replacement forward, I could maybe still look to let Greg go and get some games."
Kiltie was a standout along with Iain Wilson in Kilmarnock's win over Forfar, which came courtesy of goals from Stuart Findlay and sub Chris Burke.
Wilson, who recently signed a new deal, made his ninth appearance of the season and Clarke admits the 20-year-old could also head out on loan this month.
He said: "Iain is another one in the same boat. He wants to play more games and I can't promise him.
"If something became available, as long as everyone is fit and well, I would probably let him go and play some matches as well because both players, in my opinion, will be big for Kilmarnock in the future.
"Neither of them are very happy because they are not getting many minutes in and in this window I might look at certainly letting Wilson go on loan."
