Brooker set for loan deal?

Last updated : 13 November 2008 By Smallsy

BRISTOL City manager Gary Johnson has told the media that he may look to loan out Steve Brooker to help the striker regain fitness.

Brooker has missed almost two months of the season with an achillies injury picked up in the 0-0 draw with Cardiff but made a goalscoring return to the team as a sub in the reserves 6-1 victory over Sailsbury.

Gary Johnson refused to rush Booker back into the first team despite his two goals insisting that he 'needs time' to recover both fitness and confidence which was apparent in him scoring three goals in four games.

He told teamtalk.com,

"To get Championship fitness he may need a loan move, but it is too early to say. This is the first time we have felt Steve is over his injury."

Potential destinations for the striker could be Nottingham Forest and Cheltenham, with Whaddon Road likely to be favoured as Brooker spent a three month loan there last season and Martin Allen is believed to be keen to link him up with midfielder Scott Murray.