Central defender Jerrome Sobers' proposed loan move to Boston United has been put on hold due to a flu bug. The Pilgrims have moved quickly to sign Emanuele Gabrieli on loan from Town's weekend opponents Sheffield United.

Town manager Joe Royle says that Sobers could still move to York Street once he is over the illness: "It would have been good experience for Jerrome to have gone there.

"He is under the weather so we will review the situation next week, based on Boston's needs and we won't stand in his way if he wants to go up there."

Boston boss Steve Evans has also hinted that he could look to sign other members of Town's reserve squad: "There are a few youngsters at Ipswich, as well as a few at Arsenal, who could come here.

"It is something we are working on and we should have more news on that front early next week."

But it is Sobers who has particularly caught the Evans eye: "He's big, strong, quick and I've been impressed by him."

The 18-year-old joined the Blues a year ago from non-league Ford United and has made good progress in the reserves.

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