“I’m reasonably confident that on the first of January we’ll be in a position to bring in a couple of players rather than be in a situation where it gets to the end of the window and still not knowing.”

Lincoln’s options up top

Tom Hopper and Dan N’Lundulu are Appleton’s only natural centre-forwards on the books with the club, so another addition wouldn’t have gone amiss.

However, the goalscoring form of winger Anthony Scully, who has netted nine goals and laid on three assists in nine outings, has helped ease the blow of not bringing in another striker.

Whittaker’s season so far

As for Whittaker, the 20-year-old has made three Championship appearances so far this season.

The Swansea ace has also featured twice in the EFL Cup, netting a hat-trick in the Swans’ 4-1 win over League One side Plymouth Argyle.