Howe soon is now for Rene?

Torquay are sweating on the fitness of striker Rene Howe ahead of their npower League Two trip to Cheltenham.

Howe picked up a groin injury in training last Thursday and missed the 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury at Plainmoor on Saturday. However, the player himself is hopeful of making his return at Whaddon Road in midweek.

Taiwo Atieno would be the obvious replacement up front for manager Martin Ling should Howe not be fit enough to take part, having played a crucial role in the Gulls' goal at the weekend.

Otherwise, the Torquay boss has no new injury or suspension worries as he looks to lead his side to their seventh straight league victory.

Defender Angus MacDonald has signed on loan from Reading until the end of the season, but he was an unused substitute against Shrewsbury and the 19-year-old will have to force his way past one of Brian Saah and Mark Ellis to claim a spot in the heart of defence.