Forest Green lure striker Joyce

FOREST Green have signed Torquay United striker Ben Joyce on loan until January 2.

Manager Dave Hockaday is hoping the 20-year-old will fill the void left by top scorer Sean Rigg, who must head back to parent club Bristol Rovers after this afternoon's Blue Square Premier clash with Stevenage Borough.

Joyce will also be expected to lead the line in advance of Andy Mangan's return from a five-month ban on December 22.

Born in Plymouth, Joyce joined Torquay from Swindon Town last summer, but has yet to make a competitive appearance at Plainmoor.

He has spent the past month on loan at Blue Square South outfit Weston-super-Mare and knows he has big boots to fill in Rigg, scorer of seven goals in 18 appearances prior to today's game.

"This is a great opportunity and if I can only do half as well as Sean then, who knows, we might meet up again in January with both of us eager to lead the line," said Joyce.

"I am very excited at the chance being offered to me."

Rovers have confirmed that the registration of central defender Josh Ford has been cancelled. The former Bristol City and QPR man made only one substitute appearance after arriving at the New Lawn on October 9.