JACK Butland is set to return in goal for Cheltenham Town's home match against AFC Wimbledon this evening (7.45pm).

The England Under-21 star trained with the Robins yesterday and the paperwork for his second loan spell with the club was expected to be completed this morning.

The 18-year-old spent three successful months with Cheltenham leading up to Christmas, helping Mark Yates' side establish themselves as automatic promotion contenders.

His last appearance was the 3-0 home victory over Southend United on December 10, after which he was given a terrific send off by the Robins fans.

He is now back on 'youth loan' terms and providing he is not required the Blues after the first 28 days – during which there is no recall – he is set to stay for the rest of the season.

Butland was on the bench for Birmingham's FA Cup fifth round draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

But since returning to St Andrew's he has had to settle for sporadic reserve team outings and the Championship club were keen for him to continue his development with regular first team football.

Butland said he jumped at a chance to return aid Cheltenham's promotion bid after recovering from a minor knee injury which has how healed.

"I really enjoyed my time here before Christmas and the whole club and the fans were fantastic," Butland said.

"It is all about getting experience to try and prove myself at Birmingham and it's a great place to come back to.

"I have kept in touch with the lads and watched highlights of all the games, so it feels I haven't been away really.

"I have had a swollen knee which took a couple of weeks to get rid of, but it's fine now.

"I am glad to be here and if chosen to play I will be up for it and ready to go."

Butland's main focus is breaking into Birmingham's first team and he believes another stay at Cheltenham can help him achieve that goal.

"The main thing was showing Birmingham I could handle League football because they didn't know how I'd handle myself in games and they have seen I can do it," he said.

"But (number one) Boaz Myhill has been doing well there so I can't just walk into the Birmingham team, but I want to prove I am ready for next year."

Butland's arrival is likely to mean another period on the sidelines for Scott Brown, who has performed well since resuming duties in December.

The pair get on well off the field and Butland praised Brown for the support he had been given during his previous loan period.

"Things like this are sad, but they happen in football," Butland said.

"I have nothing but praise for Scott and he was amazing when I was here last time.

"He has done well since I've gone and whoever plays will support the other one, just like it was before."

Yates also praised Brown for the way he has conducted himself this season, but the Robins boss knows Butland's arrival will hand the squad a major boost ahead of the final 15 matches of the season, with top spot their ultimate aim.

"I am delighted to see Jack back," Yates said.

"Scotty has done really well, but we need competition.

"We've had to be patient with it, but we know he is worth waiting for because he was a big presence for us in our good run.

"We've waited and it's come off, so thanks to Birmingham, who know Jack needs games after a couple of quiet months.

"They decided it's the right thing to do and we are the beneficiaries of that it'll be a big boost for everyone."

Striker Jeff Goulding is set to be fit to play after suffering a dead leg in Saturday's 5-0 defeat of Dagenham and Redbridge, which Yates said provided a timely lift in confidence.

"It can cement the belief the players should have in themselves," Yates said.

"They showed what they have achieved over the previous 30 matches hasn't been a fluke.

"We will have blips, but we showed mental strength and belief in our own ability."

Yates said his team had progressed a long way since their 4-1 defeat at Wimbledon last September.

"Wimbledon are good on their day and a decent footballing team," he said.

"They play a diamond system well and have lot of good footballers and talented youngsters.

"We might have to be patient, but we are a different animal now compared to when we lost at their place."