Barry Hayles admits moving to Cheltenham Town for the second time was a 'no-brainer' and is prepared to sit down to talk about a permanent move to Whaddon Road.

Hayles has signed for the Robins ahead of today's FA Cup second round clash at Morecambe.

The 36-year-old tasted the semi-finals of the competition with Fulham less than six years ago but the prospect of a windy day on the Lancashire coast was too much to resist.

"It is good to be back with the boys," said the former Bristol Rovers striker en route to Morecambe.

"I had two months with them earlier in the season but it was a bit stop-start and I only really got going just before I left.

"There were a few other clubs who wanted to take me on loan but when Cheltenham came in for me it was a no-brainer.

"Me and Martin Allen have a good working relationship and it is good to be back."

Hayles is set to stay at Whaddon Road for the rest of the season – when his contract at Leicester City runs out.

So what about a permanent switch to Gloucestershire?

"It's something we have talked about," said Hayles.

"Probably about halfway through the loan we will sit down and see how it has gone."

First of all Cheltenham must negotiate a tricky tie at Christie Park with a potentially lucrative place in the third round at stake.

"It is important we concentrate on Morecambe and give a good account of ourselves," said Hayles.

"It is going to be physical but we don't mind that.

"It will be a tough game and we will have to play the conditions well because it will probably be windy but there is no reason why we can't get a result."

Despite their location near the midlands, Cheltenham regularly travel the day before the game.

Allen said: "It is a long journey but that is part of football. A journey doesn't mean anything to me.

"We go to all out long away journeys the day before, as you should do.

"You get one crash on the motorway and then you get there about five minutes before kick-off. That's not the way to prepare for a football match."

So safely ensconced in the seaside resort, Cheltenham can bank a much-needed £30,000 in prize money if they win. Allen said: "There are good financial rewards if you are successful. It is also good for supporters to get a buzz from watching the draw.

"The FA Cup can bring sunshine into a lot of people's lives. We have a chance of doing that but and we will give it our best shot." However, Cheltenham may be without up to three players through injury.

Defender Darren Kenton and striker Elvis Hammond are thought to be among them but Allen is playing his cards close to his chest.

"I didn't give you any names – there is likely to be three missing," he said.

Skipper John Finnigan, who has not played for the first-team for more than a year with a heel/ankle injury, could be on the bench but is likely to play in the reserve match at Yeovil on Monday.

He could be joined by fellow midfielder Alex Russell, who turned down a loan move to Port Vale this week.

Cheltenham Town (from): Brown, Bird, Gallinagh, Diallo, Wright, Vincent, Westlake, Payne, Hayes, Hayles, Hammond, Murray, Perry, Fettis, Owusu, Kenton, Ridley, Spencer.