GARY Bowyer believes City can put the Eoin Doyle sideshow behind them once he gets back playing again.

The striker was back training at Apperley Bridge yesterday for the first time after the Bantams cut short his season-long loan with League Two leaders Swindon.

Doyle, who has banged in 23 goals so far, is in contention to feature for Bowyer’s side at Crawley tomorrow.

READ MORE: Doyle recall is "no brainer" says Hendrie

City are determined to make him feel wanted again after his recent comments that he would be “disappointed” to quit Swindon.

But despite their manager Richie Wellens hinting the situation could still change, the T&A understands that they have not put in a bid to try to sign him.

Bowyer revealed that Doyle, who today became the first player to be named League Two player of the month for the third time in succession, had been welcomed back by his team-mates.

“The banter has been great as you can imagine,” he said. “The players are a good set of lads, no matter who comes in.

“Even when we’ve had people on trial, they’ve always taken them in and looked after them properly. It’s the same with Doyler coming back in.”

Bowyer has spoken with Doyle about the role he can play and reckons being out on the pitch again will help put the recent uncertainty to bed.

The Irishman has not played since New Year's Day when he scored in Swindon's comeback win at Plymouth. He was not allowed to be involved in the 1-1 draw with City last week.

Bowyer has been happy to put an arm around his shoulder, adding: “They are the conversations that have taken place.

“You go day by day with it until you get to the weekend and then all of it concentrates on the football.”

Crawley has already proved a happy hunting ground for Doyle. He bagged a hat-trick there in October during the run which saw him score in 11 successive games – a Swindon club record.

Bowyer has dismissed criticism that City’s style of play will not get the best out of a man currently the leading scorer in Europe.

He said: “There’s a lot of people saying you can play two up front now because that’s how he’s got all his goals.

“Swindon didn’t play 4-4-2 very often. They played 4-3-3 last Saturday, which we matched up.

“We’ll put him in the team and play the way we always want to. Sometimes you’re able to, sometimes you’re not.

“But we’re not going to be a team who just sits there and kicks it as far as possible. Ironically, the game we played the best and had the most chances over the Christmas period we drew (against Salford).

“He goes into the squad and into contention for the Crawley game. It’s up to us keep providing him with the opportunities to add to that wonderful tally that he’s got.”

Meanwhile, Chris Taylor is pleased to get a new deal sorted for the rest of the season.

He said: "It's a massive club where we are all aiming for promotion and that's always been a dream of mine."