MANAGER Lee Bradbury has offered a public vote of thanks to Nathan Byrne following the premature end of his loan spell with Cherries.

Byrne’s stay at Seward Stadium was cut short after the player – who had been on a season-long youth loan – was recalled by parent club Tottenham.

The 19-year-old defender had been unable to force his way back into Bradbury’s squad after recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery.

Byrne appeared in Cherries’ first 12 league and cup games this season before he sustained ligament damage during the 2-0 win at Exeter in September.

Bradbury told the Daily Echo: “I would like to thank him for his efforts while he was with us. He was a great lad to have around the place and remained very positive throughout his rehabilitation. He was a good pro, a good trainer and a good lad.

“He was unfortunate to get his injury when he was enjoying a good run in the team. I had to bring in a replacement and Simon Francis has done well since he has been with us.

“Tottenham wanted Nathan to get some game time and Simon’s form probably meant he wouldn’t be able to get that with us.

“They have called him back and I think he is going to go on loan somewhere else. They were keen to get him playing as soon as they could and I didn’t want to stand in his way.”

Meanwhile, Bradbury is set to be without the services of inspirational defender Steve Cook for around three weeks.

Cook turned his ankle in training at the end of last week and a scan on Tuesday revealed he had sustained grade one ligament damage.