Ipswich Town have announced the return of Gillingham loanee Jordan Roberts.

The 26-year-old forward had been on loan with the Gills since the start of the year.

Ipswich say the deal was to expire on May 3, after the Gills were due to conclude their season against Bristol Rovers.

He’s the second player to exit the Gills this week after Olly Lee returned to parent club Hearts.

Roberts made 10 league appearances during his stint with the Priestfield club and netted both goals in a 2-2 draw at Rochdale.

His last appearance came during the match at Sunderland on March 7, playing just over an hour. It was the last time Steve Evans’ side played before football was shut down.

Gillingham are now left with three loan players. They were understood to be negotiating with Southampton over keeping Alfie Jones and Tommy O’Connor at the club should the season resume.

Jordan Graham is the other loan player , on a deal from Wolves.

Hopes of completing the EFL season before the end of July, when expiring contracts will be up, are diminishing.

Both Gills boss Steve Evans and chairman Paul Scally are now suggesting putting the season into hibernation with a restart in the autumn, albeit with new players.

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