Braintree Town assistant manager Keith Rowland has hailed the impact of loanee Charlie Strutton.

Strutton returned to parent club AFC Wimbledon after Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Chester, but not without a bang.

The 24-year-old struck twice in the opening seven minutes for Iron to add to his already impressive goal tally and lift the Essex club back into the Conference Premier play-off places.

“He’s been great,” said Rowland. “Alan (Devonshire) and I have been delighted with him. He’s made a really good impact for us.

“He’s come from a Football League club still learning the game, picking up some valuable experience along the way, scoring a few goals.”

Braintree only signed Strutton because of a shoulder injury to Dan Holman but in the short time he has been at Cressing Road, he has made a big impact.

Six goals in seven games have helped Iron move into the play-off places after a goal-shy start to the season for Alan Devonshire’s side.

Brimming with confidence after showing such deadly form, League Two outfit Wimbledon are likely to welcome back Strutton with open arms, especially considering their wobble of late – two goals in their last four league games have yielded only two points.

With a string of important games coming up, Strutton may get his chance to show what he can do at a higher level.

Rowland, like the majority of Braintree fans, would love to see the forward stay on or even extend his loan but can’t see it happening.

“Unfortunately, I can’t see him returning if I’m honest,” said Rowland.

“We haven’t had much contact with them (Wimbledon) but the lad has said that he’s going back to the first-team squad.

“All the best to him. He certainly deserves a chance there after doing so well here.”

Strutton could, and should, have signed off in style on Saturday but referee Colin Lymer ruled out his second-half free kick for an infringement – a ‘goal’ that would have seen him take home the match ball.