BOBBY Wilkinson has explained how the extension of Corey Panter’s loan deal to the end of the season came about.

Before striker Malachi Linton returned to Yeovil, the Eastleigh centre-half was effectively in competition with Charlton Athletic loanee Naz Bakrin for one of the five loanee spots in the Weymouth matchday squad.

And Wilkinson opted for Panter after an incline in his fitness and performance levels.

He told Echosport: “My loan signings this year have worked, I’ve been very fortunate to get that right. I’m really pleased about that.

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“I just got Corey fitter and fitter. I could’ve kept Naz, but I’ve just seen something in Corey that I can get him playing how I want him to play."

While Panter ultimately won the race to sign with Weymouth, Wilkinson praised Bakrin who scored in the 3-3 draw with St Albans and was restricted to only two appearances.

He added: “Naz, I felt for him. He wanted to come back and Charlton gave him permission to come back.

“I was just happy with the squad and didn’t want to put pressure on people not being on the bench.”

Panter played the full 90 minutes in the 4-1 win over Havant on Saturday, with fellow loanees Harvey Wiles-Richards, Harry Jones and Harry Parsons also featuring.

Weymouth now have only four loanees at their disposal, with Bakrin’s return to The Valley and Linton’s hamstring injury ruling him out for the season.