Josh Low returns to his roots this evening hoping to convince Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen he is worth a second chance.

The tall winger joined Bristol Rovers at the age of 11 and progressed through the youth ranks, signing a professional deal at 18.

A native of Bristol, he will be back at the Memorial Stadium tonight trying to force his way back into Allen's plans at Cheltenham.

Low was placed on the transfer list shortly after Allen replaced Keith Downing as manager last September.

He played in the 2-1 win over Rovers at Whaddon Road, but was hauled off after only 25 minutes of the match at Millwall four days later and promptly told he was no longer wanted – less than a month after signing a two- year contract with the club.

A loan spell at Blue Square Premier club Forest Green followed, but Low was handed a rare Town start against Peterborough United on December 28 and was singled out for praise from his manager.

Low, who turns 30 next month, remains available on a free transfer or a loan, but an impressive substitute cameo against Brighton on Saturday may have enhanced his chances of remaining at Whaddon Road beyond the current transfer window.

"I am happy here and I want to give it my all and hopefully stay for the duration of my contract," Low said.

"Until someone tells me otherwise I am playing for Cheltenham Town and enjoying trying to do that."

Low was taken by his father to watch Bristol City play as a youngster, but his allegiance quickly switched to the blue and white half of the city when his career kicked off at the Memorial Stadium.

He said it is always special to return to Rovers, for whom he made 11 league starts before leaving for Leyton Orient in May 1999.

"It's the club I started at so I would love to get on there tonight," he said. "I am from Bristol and signing pro for the club was a very special thing for me, so I always look forward to going back.

"I have played there a few times since I have left, but it's always nice to be involved and hopefully we can get a win."

Cheltenham boss Martin Allen has hinted he may return to a 4-3-3 formation tonight after opting for a 4-4-2 shape against Brighton.

He will make a late decision on skipper John Finnigan, who suffered a severely bruised arm in the match against Brighton.

Cheltenham are without Alan Wright (calf) and Drissa Diallo (knee), while Damian Spencer (knee) has resumed full training and is set to play in Wednesday's reserve fixture against Yeovil Town.

Cheltenham Town (from): Brown, Bird, Duff, Westwood, Ridley, Vincent, Westlake, Finnigan, Bignall, Hammond, Owusu, Gallinagh, Russell, Low, Puddy, Watkins