Jonathan Forte today returned to Scunthorpe United after his productive loan spell at Meadow Lane expired.

The striker scored eight goals in eighteen appearances in two separate loan stints with County - the latter of which lasted two months.

The final appearance of his loan came in Saturday's 1-0 defeat away at playoff hopefuls Morecambe.

Forte marked his arrival at Meadow Lane in style with a first-half hat-trick on his debut in a 4-0 rout at Barnet in November.

Jonathan also notched a brace against Bradford City in February and also hit the net against Dagenham & Redbridge, Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United during his temporary spell in Nottingham.

He has returned to Glanford Park with a glowing reference from Notts boss Ian McParland, who has thanked Forte for his contribution during his three months with County.

Said McParland: "Jonathan has played his part in our season and we thank him very much for his efforts whilst with us.

"He leaves us with a glowing reference from everyone here because he's applied himself very well in training and also in matches.

"He is also a nice lad who moulded in with the rest of the group very well and became a popular member of the squad.

"Most of his goals were crucial in us collecting points and he also got a few that put us back in with a shout of getting something at Shrewsbury and Rotherham.

"It was just a shame he didn't sign off with a goal at Morecambe; I thought he'd got one with a dipping shot late on but it wasn't to be."

When - once again - asked what the likelihood was of seeing Forte back at Meadow Lane next season McParland was quick to point out that Forte is still under contract with the Iron.

"I have not deciding anything yet. He is a Scunthorpe player and I have no idea what they want to do with him," he said.

Forte will bolster the attacking options available to Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins in the final four games of their season.

Scunthorpe are two points outside the playoff spots in League One although they do have two games in hand over sixth placed Tranmere.