WANDERERS pulled the plug on Joe Riley’s loan deal at Swindon Town after being told the highly-rated defender had to earn a chance to play in League One.

Riley reported for duty at the Wiltshire club on Monday only to make an about-turn when it was said his stay was not yet guaranteed.

According to sources in Swindon, the notoriously unpredictable Paul di Canio wanted to adopt a try-before-you-buy policy, despite a deal having been agreed between the two clubs a few days earlier, and that a minor injury then led to them sending Riley back.

The product of the Whites youth academy has been eager to leave the Reebok on loan in order to get some first-team football, after falling behind Sam Ricketts and Tyrone Mears in the pecking order this season.

Di Canio had spoken mysteriously about Riley’s arrival at the weekend, although it is understood a right-back was not top of his priority list.

“Joe Riley, if I’m not wrong, is a good right-back,” said the Italian. “Not because I have good information but I have to have a vocabulary about all the players.

“I know every single player from League Two to the Premier League but I don’t know who he is, I don’t know his face. We will see for the future.”

Dougie Freedman wants to send a handful of players out on loan before next Thursday’s deadline, feeling that his squad is “imbalanced” in certain positions.

Gregg Wylde – who is yet to make a first-team appearance since his switch from Glasgow Rangers in February – has been touted round several clubs in an effort to find him a deal.

Michael O’Halloran is another youngster who would be allowed out if the right offer came in, with the Scottish striker having already spent some time at Carlisle United earlier this season.

Keeper Rob Lainton could also be given some game time elsewhere once Andy Lonergan returns from the knee injury that has kept him out of action for the past month.

Freedman has also hinted that he would be willing to let some of his bigger names leave on loan in the new year as he looks to re-shape the team for a concerted push towards the play-offs.

Players such as Marvin Sordell and Marcos Alonso, who have struggled to find regular football so far this season, could fall into that bracket.