YORK City manager Nigel Worthington has not ruled out bringing loan trio Jack O’Connell, Adam Reed and Josh Carson back to Bootham Crescent if he is still in charge next season.

Before he talked to the board about his own future, Worthington announced the club’s retained list on Tuesday, while O’Connell returned to Blackburn and Reed was released by Sunderland.

Carson’s spell with the Minstermen was cut short by a broken foot, causing him to head back prematurely to Ipswich, where he has another year left on his Portman Road deal.

England under-19 international O’Connell is also under contract at Blackburn next season, although 21-year-old Reed’s current terms with Sunderland expire this summer.

On the possibility of the trio representing the Minstermen again, Worthington said: “We will be keeping an eye on all their situations and, if and when required, we need some help, we know where they are and will get on the phone straight away. None of them let us down in any shape or form and were good characters to have around the place.”

O’Connell, 19, was an ever-present for City after being brought to the club by previous boss Gary Mills at the end of January, making 18 appearances, initially as a centre-half before being switched to left-back by Worthington.

Midfielder Reed remained unbeaten in six games for City and got on the scoresheet twice.

Carson, also 19, turned out five times for the Minstermen.

On their collective efforts, Worthington said: “Jack was here before I came in and, when we moved him to left-back, I must admit he was outstanding over the course of those games.

“He looked a natural in the position and I was delighted with him because he did exceptionally well for the club.

“He goes back to Blackburn with our best wishes and we will see what happens with him.”

The former Northern Ireland and Norwich City manager said of Ipswich loanee Carson, pictured far right: “Young Josh came in as a player I knew from Northern Ireland.

“He is a good character and a good type, who gave us a lot of energy and commitment.

“Unfortunately, his stay with us was curtailed by injury but he thoroughly enjoyed his time here.

“Adam (Reed) came in having not played too much first-team football in recent times but he gave us some very good performances.

“He scored a couple of goals which were very important and he did his bit.”