Cambridge United boss Garry Monk hopeful Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes will remain at League One club for rest of season

Head coach Garry Monk is keen to see Josh Stokes fulfil his season-long loan move to Cambridge United.

The 20-year-old joined the U’s from Bristol City during the summer until the end of the current campaign – although it is believed that the Championship outfit have the option to assess the situation during the January transfer window.

However, having just returned to full fitness after three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Monk is hopeful that the attacking midfielder will remain at the Cledara Abbey Stadium beyond the winter transfer window.

He said: “It makes sense to me as a coach (for Stokes to stay) but obviously that is in the club’s hands to deal with that.

“He’s had a period out after a good start so he’s not played loads of football.

“Looking at it for them (Bristol City) and for Josh himself and his development, the opportunity to play a lot of minutes and contribute really well – that’s what we expect him to do going forward and it’s great for his development.

“I’m planning for him (to stay) and I haven’t been told any different. It’s important we keep those types of players but sometimes those things aren’t always in your hands.

“But we haven’t been told anything and we’re planning for him to be here. He wants to be here and we want him here. We’re keen to use his quality going forward.”

Stokes scored his first Cambridge goal during Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy.