Coventry City caretaker manager Lee Carsley has recalled striker Cody McDonald back from his loan spell at Gillingham.

The 26 year old former Dartford and Norwich City striker was signed on loan by The Gills until the end of the season at the end of January, but former Sky Blues manager Mark Robins inserted a 28 day recall in the deal which was up on Saturday.

McDonald has been instrumental in seeing Gillingham back to the top of League Two, having scored four times in just seven appearances back at the club including the winner at Chesterfield at the weekend.

However, with Coventry pushing for a play-off place in League One, they have decided to bring him back to the Ricoh Arena.

Meanwhile, Gillingham manager Martin Allen issued the following statement on the club’s official website:

“We have just been contacted by Coventry City and they have recalled Cody McDonald. I am sure that each and every one of us are very grateful for the way that Cody has conducted himself on and off the pitch.”

“Off the field he has been a model professional. Hard-working, dedicated and committed to our club.”

“On the field he has been honest, hungry and deadly. Of course we will miss him but now we will see just how good Adam Birchall really is.”

“I am delighted that Adam can now have his chance and he will do a great job for us.”

The Sky Blues have gained permission from the Football League for the recall with Carsley looking to bolster his striking options for the run in and McDonald is expected to go straight into Coventry’s squad that travels to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

KSN understands McDonald wanted to see out his stay at Gillingham until the end of the season with Martin Allen now set to give Adam Birchall an extended run in the side starting against Oxford United on Tuesday night.