Attacking midfielder or forward returns to parent club after a total of 16 appearances in all competitions for Cheltenham Town during the first half of the season

Tommy Taylor has returned to Ipswich Town after spending the first half of the season on loan at Cheltenham Town.

The 20-year-old made one League Two start, along with 11 appearances from the bench.

He also came on as a substitute twice in the FA Cup, including the final 20 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Championship side Leicester City.

He started two EFL Trophy matches, heading his first senior goal in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s. Cheltenham then won 3-1 on penalties, with Taylor successful from the spot.

Robins boss Steve Cotterill was full of praise for Taylor, but said the defender now needs to play more regular football during the second half of the season.

“I had a great chat with Tommy,” Cotterill said. “He understands it and he’s a great lad who I really like.

“I mentioned it in the dressing room and the lads gave him a big clap and thanked him for what he’s done because he’s had 11 or 12 appearances here, which is quite good really.

“He’s always thankful and I don’t think he’ll forget his time at Cheltenham.

“He had his first EFL game and his first senior goal, so we have played a small part in his development.

“I don’t think he’ll forget us and we certainly won’t forget him. He now needs to churn out 20 games somewhere.”

Cheltenham’s other loanee from Ipswich, defender Jacob Mazionis, returned last week after an injury-affected stay with the League Two club.

Forward Jake Bickerstaff has turned his loan from Wrexham into an 18-month permanent contract at Whaddon Road.

With Isaac Hutchinson recalled by Bristol Rovers, Taine Anderson returning to Bristol City and Ethon Archer joining Luton Town, Cheltenham are now left with one loan player on their books: Sam Sherring.

The MK Dons centre-back is working his way back from a hamstring tendon injury, with Cotterill saying a decision on whether he stays for the rest of the reason depending on his fitness.

* Cheltenham Town play Oldham Athletic away in League Two on Saturday afternoon (3pm).