PAOLO Di Canio has decided against bringing in a defender on loan to Swindon before the transfer window shuts next week after being boosted by the return of Aden Flint to full fitness.

The former Alfreton skipper has not played for Town since the 1-0 win over Macclesfield on January 21 after suffering a groin injury.

Di Canio had feared Flint would miss the rest of the season and, with skipper Paul Caddis having also injured his ankle recently, the Town boss admitted last week that he planned to dip in the loan market and bring in a versatile defender as cover.

But Flint has surprised all with the rate of his recovery and has been training normally with the rest of his teammates for the last 10 days.

Consequently, Di Canio is not only confident the 22-year-old will be available for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Chesterfield a week on Sunday, but hinted that he could also be included in the squad for the trip to Crewe tomorrow.

“Aden has recovered quickly and we are happy,” said Di Canio.

“He is available, even for Saturday but whether he plays depends on me. I will make that decision.

“I don’t think I need to bring anyone else in now. Flint is back and Paul Caddis is nearly fit again and so the main part of my transfer activity is done.

“Anything can happen but we do not have a plan to bring in other players.”

Mehdi Kerrouche is back training with Swindon after returning from his loan spell at Oxford earlier this week, and Di Canio has not ruled out the striker having a part to play in the Robins’ end of season run-in.

“He is back training with us and he will need to train hard,” he added.

“It is obvious now that I have many players and it will be difficult for him to play. However, in football anything could be possible.”