CHELTENHAM Town boss Mark Yates says loan sensation Shaun Jeffers is close to being handed his first Football League start.

The Coventry City teenager has already scored two goals since joining the Robins on the eve of the new season.

Jeffers also went on as a second-half substitute in last week's home match against Burton Albion and set up goals for Wesley Thomas and Josh Low as Cheltenham recovered from a goal down to snatch all three points.

He has agreed an extension to his loan that will keep him at the Abbey Business Stadium until the January transfer window, although the Sky Blues have a 24-hour recall option should they need him back.

Jeffers was on England Under-19s duty last night for their home friendly against Slovakia at Crewe Alexandra, but he will return in time to travel to Barnet with Cheltenham tomorrow.

"I am delighted with Shaun's progress," Yates said.

"He has only started one game and he has scored two goals so he is really pushing for his start.

"Being in the England Under-19 squad is a great reward for him.

"He is still a young boy, with a fantastic attitude and he is desperate to keep learning and improving.

"He still has a lot to do, but I am sure he will force his way into our team and there is a strong possibility of him starting on Saturday."

Meanwhile, young striker Jake Lee has joined Cirencester Town on loan, joining fellow first-year professional Josh Emery at the Zamaretto League Premier Division club.

Yates said that one more of his youngsters are likely to be loaned out next week to gain first-team experience.

"I want my young players playing at the best standard possible," Yates said.

"We have good potential here, but a few lads are not getting in so the message is for them to keep working hard and we will be sending people out to watch them.

"I am not going to leave myself short, but if I can get one more out, I don't think it's a massive issue if we only have six substitutes (out of a maximum of seven) at the moment.

"They need regular football and I think we would see a better Marley Watkins in two months' time if he went out and played.

"So I am willing to sacrifice the body so he comes back a better player."

■ For video interviews with Scott Brown, Marlon Pack, Keith Lowe and Wesley Thomas, visit: www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/cheltenhamtown.

■ Cheltenham Town are in tomorrow's draw for the Johnsone's Paint Trophy second round after their bye through the opening stage. The draw will take place on Soccer AM.

A group of Cheltenham Town fans will be appearing on the Sky TV programme tomorrow. Turn to page three for the full story.