Michael Symes was today assured: Your future is at Valley Parade.

The rookie striker was due to start a month's loan at Darlington but the Football League put a block on the move.

They felt it would be "inappropriate" after the Bantams had been given special dispensation to borrow Wigan's Neil Roberts, who was making his debut this afternoon.

Symes, signed in the summer from Everton, started the first two games but has taken a back seat since Dele Adebola was brought in. He has not yet scored for City, missing a penalty in the opening home game against Peterborough.

Colin Todd believed a spell in League Two would give Symes more league experience and make him a more confident player. The deal had been agreed with Darlington before Roberts was brought in.

"He was going up there for a month and that's all," Todd said. "I've told Michael that his future is here. We signed him on a two-year contract which tells him that we think he is a good player. His opportunitiy will come.

"It would have given him the chance for a bit of experience but I'm not disappointed that he has not gone."

But City's interest in Jamie Lawrence has receded after he teamed up with Brentford.

The Jamaican international has joined Martin Allen's side on a non-contract basis, linking up again with Andy Myers and Isaiah Rankin.