Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin is 'confident' that Liverpool will not recall Leighton Clarkson in the January transfer window, despite the youngster impressing on loan.

The Lowdown: Impressing in Scotland

The 21-year-old is certainly making his mark in Scottish football, having scored four goals and supplied a further two assists in 14 games across all competitions so far this season (third in the Scottish Premiership table, behind only Celtic and Rangers.

Having scored in his first appearance for the club, Goodwin hailed Clarkson's debut as 'one of the best' that he has ever seen, and in midweek the loanee scored a stunning goal playing against Atlanta United in a friendly.

His level of performances at Pittodrie have been consistently brilliant, which could tempt Jurgen Klopp to recall him back into the Liverpool first-team squad earlier than expected.

The Latest: No Liverpool recall?

However, as quoted by The Press and Journal, Goodwin has revealed that Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn has been 'in contact' with the Reds over Clarkson, adding that they are 'confident' that the 21-year-old will not be recalled early in January despite his impressive form.

Goodwin said: “Steven Gunn has been in contact with Liverpool about Leighton Clarkson and with Celtic about Liam Scales.

“At the moment we are confident that both will be part of our plans when the January window closes. However, we do have contingency plans in place just in case something were to happen.”

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The Verdict: Option is there for Liverpool

Liverpool do not have to recall Clarkson as he is developing well at Aberdeen, but they should know that the option is there.

The defensive midfielder has only made youthful line-up that he picked against Derby County in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.

Hailed as 'one of the biggest talents' at Anfield by Klopp himself, Clarkson is clearly admired by the German, while he has also been dubbed an 'amazing' footballer by his former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray when he was on loan at Ewood Park previously.

Clarkson has now impressed three different managers at three different clubs, and he is clearly one for the future.

If Liverpool were to suffer an injury crisis in central midfield, with Arthur and Naby Keita already on the treatment table, then the 21-year-old could well get a chance should the Reds decide to recall him.