Allen targeting Premier League talent

Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen is still hoping to add at least one Premier League youngster to his squad before the start of the season.

One of the success stories of last season was the arrival of 17-year-old midfielder Josh Payne from West Ham United.

He made 11 starts and two substitute appearances for the Robins, scoring on his debut against Stockport County and impressing onlookers with his quality and maturity.

Buoyed by his spell with Cheltenham, Payne went on to make two substitute appearances for the Hammers, against Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, before the season was out.

Allen is planning to use his contacts at the top level in conjunction with his persuasive powers to bring in a similar talent ahead of the new League Two season.

"We are looking a lot stronger than we were, but Premier League and Championship clubs are going to start letting loans out and I will put my finger on the pulse with that." Allen said. "I will be seeing if I can call on a favour and if I can get someone in for nothing, I will see what we can get.

"Josh Payne ended up playing in the Premier League last season and I had a lovely little letter from Gianfranco Zola (West Ham manager) thanking us for all we did for him."

Allen is confident any starlet who is lent to Cheltenham will benefit hugely from their experience and he works hard to keep the teenagers' feet on the ground.

"I like to show them how lucky they are to be at a Premier League club and show them what the real world is like," he said.

"We can help them develop and it will be a very good experience for them before they hopefully head back and step into the first team at their own club."

* Cheltenham will take on an Army Select XI as part of their Army training camp this evening (6.30pm).

Martin Allen is expected to field a predominantly young side, with former Chelsea youngster Jordan Tabor set to feature and striker Julian Alsop may also start to add some experience.