Boss suggests loan option

Robins boss Gary Johnson is pondering whether to send Steve Brooker out on loan as the striker bids to regain match sharpness.

The 27-year-old marked his comeback from Achilles problems with two goals as a second half substitute as the Robins' reserves thrashed Salisbury 6-1 on Tuesday.

But Brooker has not played a first-team match since September and may need a spell in another club's side before he is ready to return to play Championship football with City, according to Johnson.

"To get Championship fitness he may need a loan move, but it is too early to say. This is the first time we have felt Steve is over his injury," he told the club's official website.

Brooker enjoyed a three-month loan spell at Cheltenham at the start of 2008 and the League One club's manager Martin Allen is known to be keen to have the striker back at Whaddon Road.