JOHN Schofield is aiming to link up with West Bromwich Albion on a regular basis after landing midfielder Joss Labadie on a month's loan yesterday.

Cheltenham Town's acting manager captured his second signing and is also hoping to recruit a central defender ahead of next Tuesday's home match against Barnet.

Labadie (right) scored for Shrewsbury Town in their 2-1 victory at the Abbey Business Stadium on September 29.

Schofield fought off competition from several League One clubs to bring him to Cheltenham, whose association with ex-boss Keith Downing, now involved in the youth set-up at The Hawthorns, may have helped his cause.

"It is a big coup for the club and if Joss does well, there will perhaps be other West Brom youngsters coming here for first-team football," Schofield said.

"I know Keith Downing from coaching seminars and from pitting our wits against each other and this could be the start of a relationship between the two clubs."

Schofield was keen to emphasis to supporters that he is biding his time in an attempt to sign a higher quality central defender, rather than rush into signing a player who would not improve the Robins' first team.

"The loan deadline is next Thursday and I am in the race to sign a couple of centre-backs," Schofield said.

"We need players who are going to improve the team."

Labadie, 19, has been with the Baggies for three years.

He scored five goals in 13 starts for Shrewsbury.

He also spent time on loan at Shrewsbury last season but the move was cut short by a metatarsal injury.

"We are starting to create a bit of competition for places by adding a couple of players of quality to the squad," Schofield said.

"It gives us a few more options and gets that little bit extra out of everybody.

"Joss will certainly improve the team. He has played League Two football and is bang up to speed and ready to go."