CHRISTIAN Roberts admits the dressing room will be a quieter place now Simon Cox has left the County Ground.

The Reading striker has returned to the Madejski after a successful loan spell at the County Ground and Roberts believes he will be missed in more ways than one.

The youngster is currently Town's top scorer with nine goals, cementing his hero status on the terraces, but Roberts revealed he made a big impact behind the scenes as well.

He said: "He is a lively character and I like lively characters. He was up for banter. He gave some out and took a lot of banter, an awful lot, because of the type of person he was.

"But he was a top man. Football is a funny old business, it is a horrible old business at times, but you do need characters along the way."

While Town continue to battle for Cox's permanent signature, with several other clubs also interested, Roberts has hailed his performances throughout his spell.

"I thought Simon did a really good professional performance in most games he played in," he said.

"I can't stick up a finger at any point where I thought he mugged us or let us down. He is a young decent professional.

"It would be nice to see him back here but that is not up to me. It is up to the board and the club.

"He definitely came out of the spell with credit. I wish him well whatever he goes on to do."