Bristol City boss Danny Wilson has challenged Lee Matthews to use his loan spell with Darlington to prove his striking credentials.

The Robins frontman has been unable to hold down a regular place at Ashton Gate this season and was made available for loan by Wilson.

Despite interest from Swindon, Oxford and Doncaster, Middlesbrough-born Matthews opted for a return to the North-East for a month with Quakers.

The 24-year-old's arrival couldn't have come at a better time for manager David Hodgson, who was this week dealt a major blow with the loss of top scorer Barry Conlon for three games through suspension.

Wilson was happy to see Matthews make the temporary move but insists the Teessider's long-term future rests in the South-West.

"Any move would be for his and our benefit," said Wilson.

"It doesn't mean Lee is on his way out of the club.

"After all, who knows, he could go to Darlington and score ten goals. That would be great for us."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Ross Turnbull's loan expires tomorrow - four weeks after his proposed month-long switch was brought to a premature end following his call-up to England's World Youth Championships squad.

The Middlesbrough goalkeeper made just one appearance for Quakers - in a goalless draw with Lincoln - before being whisked away to the United Arab Emirates.

Turnbull was an unused substitute in a disastrous campaign which saw England eliminated in the group stages following two defeats and a draw.

Hodgson confirmed the highly-rated 18-year-old is still eligible to play in tomorrow's Third Division clash at Cambridge.

However, the Teessider is almost certain to remain at Boro, providing current Quakers first-choice Michael Price stays fit.

"Middlesbrough have been fantastic with us and they assured us that if we needed him we could use him," said Hodgson.

Italian goalkeeper Alessio Locatelli has returned home after training with the club this week.