ANDY KING has lost his battle to keep Jimmy Davis at the County Ground and admits the youngster's recall to Old Trafford is a grave blow for the club.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to extend the three-month loan deal and the 20-year-old will return north after tomorrow's home game with Tranmere Rovers.

It is a decision which has saddened both King and, to a degree, the player himself.

King said: "I had a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson's secretary on Thursday morning asking if Jimmy could report back to Old Trafford on Monday morning.

"He said he would think about the situation for 48 hours and has now decided to recall him.

"Jimmy will be a grave loss to this football club. He has been an inspiration on and off the field.

"Just having a Manchester United player at this club has given the other players something to live up to.

"Jimmy's attitude, enthusiasm and desire on the training ground has been wonderful."

Davis himself has enjoyed his time in Wiltshire, seems reluctant to face the prospect of reserve team football and has not ruled out a return to the County Ground if the call should ever come and/or Sir Alex agreed.

He said: "Although I was injured for a month I have enjoyed my time with Swindon. It has been a great experience for me.

"It has been great playing first team football. It is a shame I am leaving now as the lads are playing well and putting results together.

"If the chance came again here, I would definitely take it."

While King and the supporters will see Davis' departure as a massive blow, the Manchester United man feels his colleagues are well equipped to keep pushing up the table without him.

He said: "Danny Invincible, Eric Sabin and Sam Parkin are three good strikers and the goals are going in.

"I'm sure the lads can carry on getting results."

But while Davis looks set to enjoy an emotional goodbye, Sam Parkin's involvement tomorrow is rather less certain.

King said: "Sam's knee injury is still very sore and at this moment we are not sure whether he will make it or not.

"With Eric Sabin suspended, I am obviously hoping it's good news."

Parkin watched his colleagues train yesterday morning before doing some work in the pool with physio Dick Mackey.

He said: "The knee swelled up after I got the knock but I am hoping there is a chance I can be involved against Tranmere."

The good news for King on the attacking front was that virus victim Danny Invincible came through training and should be fit for selection.

The other pre-match bonus for King was the sight of his players receiving their wages albeit two weeks late.

He said: "It was becoming an issue with the players but their spirits remained good."

Chief executive Mark Devlin was expected to meet with Neil Ruddock's legal advisors today to try and reach a settlement package with the 34-year-old defender.