Left back Ijah Anderson has returned to Brentford after his one-month loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers.

Blues sent him back a game early after he suffered a thigh strain in the 2-1 home reversal against Luton Town last Saturday.

The injury ruled him out of the New Year's Day win over Bristol City and with first choice left back Cris Vinnicombe still a month away from fitness after his groin problem veteran Keith Ryan was forced to deputise.

Boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "We would have extended Ijah's contract for another month and had a longer look at him but his injury put paid to that.

"It leaves us in a bit of a quandry because we haven't got an experienced left back now with Chrois Vinnicombe being injured. Rhino stepped into the breach like he always does and did a great job there."

Now Sanchez will resist the temptation to plug the gap with another player on loan.

He said: "I would like to give the players here a chance. Rhino played there and did well and perhaps Lewis Cook can do it as well

"We will try and get through with what we've got. By letting older players go it allows younger ones to come through."

January 2, 2003 15:00