Michael Townsend says he has lifted his game up a notch since returning from his loan spell at Barnet.

The Cheltenham Town central defender produced an dominant display in the 2-0 win over Hartlepool United on Saturday, helping the Robins to their first clean sheet in 13 games.

It was his first clean sheet in a Cheltenham shirt since the second weekend of the season when Swindon Town were beaten 2-0 at Whaddon Road and he will be chasing another as Tranmere Rovers visit tonight.

Townsend, 22, made 15 appearances for League Two Barnet between October and January.

He was offered the chance to remain at Underhill for the remainder of the season, but opted to stay and fight for his future at Cheltenham – a decision that is now paying dividends.

"I want to play as high as I can and I want to play here, the club I am contracted to," Townsend said. "I did my stint at Barnet, but I wanted to come back and fight back to playing my best football.

"I won't criticise myself too much because I didn't think I was doing much wrong before, but you always want to better yourself and be as good as you can. Maybe my game's gone up a notch now."

Townsend missed most of last season through a debilitating balance disorder and there were times when he feared his career was over.

But he has looked fitter and sharper since returning to the first team picture at Cheltenham and the absence of Shane Duff has opened the way for him to partner Drissa Diallo in the heart of the Robins' backline.

"I have only played with Drissa a handful of times, but he is a good player and an older head with plenty of experience so he is good to play with," Townsend said.

"I have made 32 appearances now this season, which is up there with my best since I turned pro.

"I want to push on now and see how many more I can tally up."

Allen has been impressed with Townsend's attitude since returning from Barnet and plans to field an unchanged back four after Saturday's shut out.

"Michael has come back from Barnet with a lot of work to do on and off the field and his attitude has been spot on." Allen said.

"He has worked hard on his game, looks like he's lost a bit of weight and he has been superb in training.

"The door is never closed on any of them, but it will be if they don't put the extra work in. Michael has been outstanding.

"The back five were terrific against Hartlepool, so hopefully we can run with them now and keep it going."

Cheltenham (from): Brown, Lindegaard, Diallo, Townsend, Ridley, Watkins, Bird, Westlake, Low, Connor, Hammond, Bignall, Hemmings, Spencer, Durrant, Lee, Haynes, Puddy.