AS Joe Royle continues his search for experienced loan players the Blues boss is prepared to allow a couple of fringe players to go out on a temporary basis, writes Derek Davis.

By Derek Davis

AS Joe Royle continues his search for experienced loan players the Blues boss is prepared to allow a couple of fringe players to go out on a temporary basis, writes Derek Davis.

Royle missed out on Alan Mahon after Wigan boss Paul Jewell responded to the EADT story and said on Tuesday that he would not allow the Irishman to join the Blues, who had asked about the possibility of taking him.

And Town's hopes of turning Adam Proudlock's trial into something more permanent hit a stumbling block when they tried to get him registered for last night's reserve match at Crystal Palace.

Royle has not given up hope of capturing the former Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves striker and was in talks with the League and the PFA last night.

He said: “There is a lot of dialogue going on and we hope we can get something sorted out for the lad.”

Aidan Collins and Scott Barron, who both figured as the Blues reserves lost 5-1 against Crystal Palace last night, will be allowed to go to other clubs to garner Football League experience.

But Royle has ruled out the possibility of letting Matt Richards go out just yet as he considers the left sided player as part of his immediate plans. He said: “Matt has not been in the squad for the past couple of matches but that doesn't mean he won't be involved again so I would not want to let him out on loan.

“It is more likely that Aidan and Scott will go out for experience elsewhere. I have cover in both their positions and Aidan especially is at a stage where he needs to go to a league club and get some games in.

“We have had some interest shown in players to go out but nothing has been sorted as yet.”

James Krause scored the Town goal against Palace Reserves last night, while former Colchester United striker Wayne Andrews netted twice for the home side.