Barnsley are looking for a replacement for John O'Sullivan as Blackburn Rovers have decided to recall the winger for the rest of the season.
The 21-year-old Irishman, who will return to Ewood Park after his loan ends tomorrow, has played in all of Barnsley's seven-match unbeaten run during his month at Oakwell. The Reds have already approached other clubs about a replacement with the emergency loan window due to close on Thursday.
Reds head coach Lee Johnson: "It's disappointing for us because John's done well. Blackburn's plan was to get him out for a few games and then get him back for the rest of the season. He's been effective for us and I will still look to use him against Preston.
"We'll do some work to get a replacement and it's important we get the right one. I want to bring in someone with a bit of speed and a bit of quality. We have put enquiries in to clubs. There is a chance we will get some before the Preston game but we don't need to rush it. It would be better to bring them in next Monday when they have a full week in training."
Johnson will be without another winger in the suspended Milan Lalkovic for the next three games, leaving Dale Jennings as the only senior recognised wide man at Oakwell although Declan John can also play there.
Any new recruit that plays will be the 41st player used by Barnsley this season, equalling the club record set in 2003/04. As well as O'Sullivan, Johnson has five loan players which is the maximum allowed in a matchday squad.
Defender Peter Ramage has returned to training and could be in contention for tomorrow's squad but that would mean either O'Sullivan, John, Ben Pearson, Jabo Ibehre or George Waring would have to drop out. Johnson said: "The problem we have is we have six loans and we'll have to keep leaving someone out."
Johnson could be forced into more business next week if there is an injury to one of his defenders or goalkeepers. Meanwhile, more fringe players could potentially leave the club on loan this week. Mike Phenix – who has struggled with illness since his autumn move from Telford – has returned to the Conference with Macclesfield Town until April 25. Also in the Conference, George Maris will stay at Nuneaton for another month while Brad Abbott has extended his deal with Chester until the end of the season.
