WHILE half a dozen fringe players are available for loan Jordan Rhodes is not one of them.Town manager Jim Magilton reiterated his desire to ship out a number of players but is keen to keep free-scoring Rhodes as back up to his current strike force.

Derek Davis

WHILE half a dozen fringe players are available for loan Jordan Rhodes is not one of them.

Town manager Jim Magilton reiterated his desire to ship out a number of players but is keen to keep free-scoring Rhodes as back up to his current strike force.

A number of clubs have asked about taking Rhodes, who hit more than 40 goals at all levels last season but Magilton keeps turning them down.

That may change if the Blues can secure a new striker but certainly not for the near future.

Magilton said: “There are players we are looking to get out on loan, but we don't want to lose Jordan in case of injury.

“One or two loan deals could be done over this weekend. The thing is I want to have the guarantee games, of course it is difficult for managers and I expect if the lads have a stinker they will be left out.”

Magilton is particularly keen to find temporary clubs for defenders Chris Casement and Kurt Robinson, midfielders Jai Reason and Ed Upson and attackers Jaime Peters and Dean Bowditch.

Peters has also been used as a right back during pre-season and in reserve games and it is possible Yeovil will come back in for him. The Canadian international went on loan to Huish Park last season and the Glovers were keen to take him on a full-time basis.

Magilton said: “Jaime Peters in contention on Tuesday for the Colchester game. This is his first real pre-season at the club and he has shown a great attitude. He has a fantastic spring for a small lad and wins plenty of headers. He is lovely boy and doesn't shirk things as he showed when he got clattered in the reserves, but got back into it.”

Magilton is also considering using the loan system to bring in a Premier League player, including Shola Ameobi and Moritz Volz if permanent deals can't be agreed.