Barnet have signed 22-year-old experienced central defender Michael Townsend on loan for a month from League 1 Cheltenham Town.

The 6ft 2ins newcomer will go straight into the side facing League 2 leaders Wycombe Wanderers at Underhill on Tuesday, with Joe Devera switching to right back in place of the suspended Max Porter.

Townsend, who has played 14 games this season and scored on the opening day, said after signing: "I am delighted to be joining up with Barnet.

"Martin Allen has come in and taken the reins at Cheltenham and tells me he wants me to play some games to get some match practice at League level rather than reserve games. I am relishing the opportunity".

Townsend has played 74 games for Cheltenham since joining them in December 2004, plus four as a substitute. One of his two goals was scored this season.

He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from school and spent three years at Molineux as a scholarship player. He played for Wolves' youth and reserve teams. His coaches were John Ward and Keith Downing, both of whom moved to Cheltenham.

Ward signed Townsend for Cheltenham in competition with other clubs and he made his debut at the start of the 2005-06 season and became a regular in the side. His form was a major factor in Cheltenham retaining League 1 status the next season.

Townsend missed two thirds of last season when he went down with labyrinthis, a condition which affects the inner ear and balance. This season he is back playing, having made a good recovery.

Note: Frenchman Jeremy de Magalhaes, who has been out of action since injuring his right groin in training two days after making his League debut in the away game against Chester City, is back running and expected to resume full training next week.

Dennis Signy