Micky Mellon: Forwards' form justifies loan deals

Collins has scored five goals in eight games since moving to League Two promotion challengers Northampton, winning every one, while Barnett has bagged four in six for Southend.

But boss Mellon has been delighted with the form of Andy Mangan and Shaun Whalley – who have each netted four goals in their last nine outings – and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro. "The lads who have come in have done well," he said.

"They've given us a different attacking threat with their pace. Long may that continue. We like having those three available because they've given us that bit of pace that causes trouble in this division.

"We couldn't see it on Monday (3-0 defeat against Manchester United) because we got pinned back but that was a very different game.

"But certainly when we've played that shape in this league, they've looked very dangerous, given us an attacking threat and have kept us up that end of the pitch longer."

As regards Collins, who is believed to be Town's highest earner, and Barnett, who cost £100,000, Mellon said: "We know how they're doing and that the two boys scored in their last games.

"We know everything we need to know about the two of them. They have to come back because they're still contracted to the club."

But asked if the pair could they have futures at Town, Mellon said: "It's too early to say."

Meanwhile, Kyle Vassell has been told to follow the example of Whalley as he bids to break through again.

The cup-tied 22-year-old has yet to score in four outings since signing on loan from Peterborough.

"Whalley has taken his opportunity and made it difficult to leave him out – anyone who goes into the team has to do that," said the boss.

"Kyle's working hard like the rest of the lads not playing such as Elliot Grandin."