by Luke Cawdell

Cody McDonald has left Gillingham after being recalled by parent club Coventry City.

The front-man has scored four goals in seven games for the Gills since signing on loan from the League 1 side.

But that form has promoted Coventry to call him back.

In the time McDonald (pictured) has been with the Gills, Coventry have changed manager, with Mark Robins moving to Championship club Huddersfield.

McDonald hit the winning goal for the Gills on Saturday when they beat Chesterfield 1-0.

Gills boss Martin Allen said: "I am sure that each and every one of us are very grateful for the way that Cody has conducted himself on and off the pitch.

"Off the field he has been a model professional. Hard-working, dedicated and committed to our club.

"On the field he has been honest, hungry and deadly. Of course we will miss him but now we will see just how good Adam Birchall really is."

Coventry are under the caretaker management of Lee Carsley and 26-year-old McDonald could feature for them on Tuesday night at Bournemouth.

Speaking after Saturday's win at Chesterfield. Allen said: “He is deadly, like the silent assassin. He just quietly does his business and then he steps out the shadows and, bang, it’s in the goal.

“He isn’t going to catch the eye with anything else he does, but we have 10 players who all know how to defend.

“When our full-backs get forward like they did so well on Saturday and when those crosses come in from those set-plays, Cody knows where the back of the net is. He is a top, top pro.”

McDonald had been enjoying life back with the Gills and recently expressed his desire to stay for the rest of the season.

After scoring the winner at Bradford City earlier this month, he said: "They (Coventry) might want me back and that's part and parcel of football and if they do, they do. But I am really enjoying my football at the minute.

"Hopefully I can stay until the end of the season, at least, and play a big part in a promotion.

"It was nice to get the loan move back home (near Essex), for my family and for me."