Lloyd Jones returns to Liverpool after Cheltenham Town loan spell

Lloyd Jones has returned to Liverpool after a six-week loan spell at Cheltenham Town.

The Wales-born defender made six appearances during his month-and-a-half spell at the League Two side, appearing in the win over Oxford United, draws with Morecambe and Luton Town, and defeats to Hartlepool United, Dagenham and Redbridge, and Burton Albion.

Jones was on an initial one-month loan from Liverpool with Kevin Stewart and Jack Dunn, before the pair returned to Merseyside with injuries, while the 19-year-old's deal was extended by a further month.

However, the deal has been cut short just two weeks into the renewal with Jones returning to Anfield to help bolster the club's Under-21 Premier League campaign, where they lie seven points behind leaders Chelsea with two games in hand.

Speaking last month on his spell at Whaddon Road, Jones said: "Physically it's a lot different, and physically it's a lot harder.

"If you give the ball away you expect to be defending very quickly. I like it as well because physically it is a challenge. The Under-21's is more on the floor but playing Saturday football is brilliant."

The move comes after manager Paul Buckle was sacked as Town boss following 79 days in charge. Cheltenham have yet to appoint a successor having put Russell Milton and Steve Elliott in charge temporarily.

Under-21 coach Michael Beale will be delighted to see his squad improved by the return of defender Jones, however it has been at the other end of the pitch where Liverpool's youngsters are showing the greatest progression; down in no small part to former striker Robbie Fowler's influence.

Fowler is currently working with the Liverpool development squad and Beale says the likes of Jerome Sinclair are already reaping the rewards of his advice.

"Robbie has been doing some specialist work with our strikers, in particular Jerome, Samed Yesil, Jack Dunn, Harry Wilson and Sheyi Ojo before he went out on loan," Beale told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Robbie has been as keen as mustard and he certainly hasn't lost it when it comes to scoring goals, and it has been of great benefit for the likes of Jerome to work with him.

"It's fantastic to have the likes of Rob Jones, Steve McManaman and Robbie working with these lads. The three of them have been a fantastic help to me, Alex Inglethorpe and Neil Critchley.

"It's not just training on the pitch. Sometimes it may even just be a quick word in the ear, passing on their experiences, which can make a big difference.

"We have been working with the forwards on their movement and scoring percentages from different positions in the box."