JOE Royle will not be turning to the loan market before the weekend in order to bolster his squad after Ian Westlake's unfortunate injury.The Blues boss did consider bringing in someone similar to Westlake, but is satisfied his midfield options are enough as Town travel to championship leaders Sheffield United on Saturday.

By Derek Davis

JOE Royle will not be turning to the loan market before the weekend in order to bolster his squad after Ian Westlake's unfortunate injury.

The Blues boss did consider bringing in someone similar to Westlake, but is satisfied his midfield options are enough as Town travel to championship leaders Sheffield United on Saturday.

With Matt Richards, Darren Currie and Scott Barron all capable of playing on that left side of midfield, and a raft of other midfielders also available, including Jaime Peters and Dean McDonald who switch over to that side when needed, Royle is happy with what he has at the moment.

He said: “If I could have got the right person in then maybe, but there is no one I want available so it is unlikely anything will be happening before the weekend.

“Midfield is an area where we are strong so it is not paramount, although what Westy gives us in terms of legs not everyone else can.”

Westlake is expected to be out for four weeks after damaging ligaments in an accidental training ground collision with the fit-again Scott Mitchell.

Royle will have a different kind of selection headache at the back for Saturday with the arrival of Jay McEveley, who looked strong for the reserves on Monday, and fit-again Jason De Vos.

Fabian Wilnis has done exceptionally well as a stand in centre-back while Spaniard Sito Castro has been impressive at right-back.

Royle will give nothing away before kick-off and said: “We have good options at the back and Fabian is certainly in my plans.”

Nicky Forster continues to make good progress from his knee operation and was in training yesterday.