Bywater returns

Stephen Bywater has returned from his loan spell at Coventry after being recalled by Alan Pardew.

Bywater - who was due to remain at Coventry until the end of the year - was recalled to East London by Pardew earlier today following a mini-injury crisis.

Roy Carroll continues to play with a broken thumb, whilst first choice reserve Shaka Hislop pulled out of Tuesday night's 2-1 Reserve League South defeat against Tottenham - leaving Pardew with no fully-fit first-team keepers.

Despite the injury, Carroll looks set to once again take his place between the sticks when Middlesbrough come to town this weekend. As for Bywater, he looks set to take his place on the bench in the absence of Hislop.

Bywater played 14 times for the Sky Blues since moving to the Midlands on loan at the beginning of August, conceding 25 goals in the process.

Coventry boss Micky Adams was less than pleased with Bywater's recall after it left him with just one senior goalkeeper - Clayton Ince - at the club.

We're very disappointed Stephen has been recalled," he said. "But we have to get on with it.

"It leaves us very short of cover but it gives a great opportunity to Clayton Ince, who is obviously very experienced."

Bywater's last competitive appearance for the Hammers came last May when he was a late substitute for the injured Jimmy Walker during the Play-Off Final against Preston.