DANIEL Oyegoke has been given the green light for a Valley Parade return when he is ready to play again.

The loanee has been back at Brentford since undergoing surgery on the shoulder he injured against Barrow in Graham Alexander’s first game in charge.

But the Bantams boss has kept in touch with Oyegoke – and is hoping that he will be able to feature again later in the campaign.

“We’ve spoke to Brentford and Dan as well,” said Alexander. “We’re going to keep his registration.

“There’s been a deal done between the two teams. Obviously, the cost is a lot less while he’s injured.

“When he gets back to full fitness, he’ll be coming back to us and potentially be available for the run-in to the season, depending on when he gets fit.

“Ryan (Sparks) has spoken to Brentford and sorted that out. I spoke to Dan and he was really excited about coming back.

“He is really positive about his rehab so far. We just feel there’s a really good player there who could help us at an important stage of the season.”

Oyegoke, signed by Mark Hughes in the summer, made 17 appearances for City before the injury just over a month ago which threatened to kybosh the short-term deal.

The two clubs will agree on a comeback date further down the line with his recovery.

Alexander added: “I spoke to Dan a few days ago and said I would catch up with him again around Christmas just to see how his rehab is going.

“It would be pointless to bring him back to do all his rehab up here while he can’t play. He’s more comfortable and it’s better for him to do it at his parent club.

“His return to date to us is still to be negotiated. Whether it’s when he’s fully back into training or just before that, I’m not sure yet.

“We’ll have to speak to them closer to that time. But I’ll speak to Dan as we go along.

“We’ve got probably 30 players on our books to keep in contact with but it’s part of the job.

“I actually quite like it, especially with lads like Dan because they’re good to speak to.”

Liam Ridehalgh, who suffered concussion in the same game, has been back in training for a week – with Alexander currently able to call on 24 outfield players.

He said: “Liam had to be steady the first few days and we had to manage him.

“But after that, he was fully into it and he’s thrown himself around competing for everything. There’s no after-effects.”

While Oyegoke remains in City’s long-term plans, fellow loan recruits Rayhaan Tulloch and Chishom Afoka have been urged to impress Alexander in training if they want a chance.

Neither have featured under Alexander, who insisted they have not been frozen out.

“It’s down to the players,” he said. “I know it hasn’t gone how they hoped or planned.

“The change of formation might make it difficult for players in those positions to break through.

“But the opportunity is there. I say that every day in training is an opportunity for players.

“You’re training for your manager against your team-mates. That’s an opportunity to go, ‘I can be in this team and help you win’.

“It’s the same with them. While players are signed with us, training fully fit, they always have that opportunity for me.

“I never banish players off to different teams or anything like that. I want to keep everyone together as much as we can.

“The team has been in a good little run of form so the challenge is there.

“Young players have to understand football is full of challenges as you go through your career. Nothing is ever given to you on a plate.

“It’s up to you to fight for it.”