ALUN Armstrong's loan saga with Bradford City will take another twist today if he comes through a friendly game with Cambridge University uninjured, writes Derek Davis.

ALUN Armstrong's loan saga with Bradford City will take another twist today if he comes through a friendly game with Cambridge University uninjured, writes Derek Davis.

Instead of proving his fitness to play for Town's first team against Watford on Saturday he will be recalled into Bradford City's side travelling to Sheffield United.

Although it was believed the Town striker was back with Ipswich full-time after a loan spell with the Bantams was suspended due to a thigh strain, he is still officially registered with Bradford until April 12.

Bradford administrators Kroll had initially indicated that they would not be calling him back after injury due to their financial situation but Bryan Robson is desperately short of strikers. Andy Gray has gone to Sheffield United and with Danny Cadamarteri injured, Robson needs Armstrong back.

City managing director Shaun Harvey last night confirmed: "When Alun got injured we spoke to Ipswich but the contract was never actually terminated. Effectively we just sat on it but he is still our player until Easter Monday.

"We are exceptionally grateful to Ipswich Town for their help in our current financial position."

Blues boss Joe Royle had spoken on Monday how he hoped Armstrong would prove his fitness in today's reserve-team friendly and would be considered for the Town squad to play Watford on Saturday.

Armstrong last night admitted he was unsure of what was happening.

He said: "I had hoped I was in with a chance of being involved for Ipswich on Saturday.

"All I want to be doing is playing football, we will just have to wait and see what happens."

If he is not facing Watford then Armstrong, who scored the winner against Norwich City on his Bradford debut, could still play an important part in helping Town's play-off hopes, while aiding City's relegation fight.

He could face Sheffield United on Saturday, and the remainder of his loan spell at Valley Parade would include games against Reading and Preston, ending on Easter Monday in a basement battle against his old boss George Burley's Derby.