MARK DEVLIN believes the Football League's decision to approval Jerel Ifil's loan switch to the County Ground is another clear sign that the club is getting its house in order.

With funds having been used to bring in Rory Fallon earlier in the week, there was concern behind the scenes that League HQ might view Ifil as a player too far for Town.

However, the necessary permission was forthcoming yesterday morning, allowing Ifil to join up with Town ahead of today's match with Oldham Athletic.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a workout with the rest of the players at The Cliff, one of Manchester United's training grounds, ahead of their Boundary Park clash.

Devlin said: "We are obviously delighted to have Jerel back on board to further strengthen the squad.

"I'm grateful to the Football League for allowing us to make this move.

"The fact that they have hopefully indicates that they can see we are running a tight ship and striving hard to get our house in order. They have been kept in the picture with the financial situation at the club and have been in receipt of a variety of paperwork."

Ifil's arrival gives boss Andy King a major boost ahead of a traditionally tough fixture for Town.

The manager was sweating on the fitness of Tommy Mooney, Matty Heywood and Andy Gurney ahead of the game but Oldham counterpart Iain Dowie has even bigger selection headaches with John Sheridan, Darren Sheridan, Chris Killen, David Eyres and Paul Murray all missing today through a combination of injury and suspension.

King said: "Maybe things have levelled out a bit since the last time we went to Oldham. They certainly aren't in the same position of strength that they were.

"That doesn't mean to say our task of getting three points is an easy one though, far from it.

"What I do know is that it's important for us to keep in with the sides above us. We don't want to get into a situation where a big gap starts to open up.

"Still, if I can pick the side that I want to, and that hasn't always been possible this season, then I am not unduly worried about the opposition."

Town under 17s were due to entertain Cardiff City at Wanborough today with the under 19s doing battle with Bristol Rovers.