Moses Ashikodi has been sent back to Watford for an operation on his leg and will not return to the County Ground before the end of the season.

The on-loan striker broke his leg during a temporary spell at Bradford last season and had to have a metal plate inserted in it.

In recent weeks one of the screws in the plate has come loose, causing swelling in the leg, so he has returned to the Championship club where he will undergo surgery.

Maurice Malpas refused to comment on whether Ashikodi would return to County Ground but a future deal seems unlikely.

Meanwhile Town have announced pre-season friendlies against Championship sides Plymouth and Cardiff. The club has also confirmed they will travel to Austria for a pre-season training camp.