Danny Imray has been recalled from his loan spell with Blackpool.

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt admits Crystal Palace’s decision to recall Danny Imray came as a surprise after no prior warning was given.

It was proving to be a successful stint with the Seasiders in League One on a personal level, with the defender becoming a key player at right wing-back.

After returning from injury at the beginning of last month, the 22-year-old hit his stride throughout December, after previously showing snippets during Steve Bruce’s reign.

During the festive month, he bagged a goal in both of Blackpool’s meetings with Rotherham United, while two assists also came his way in his total of 16 appearances in all competitions.

On Saturday afternoon, Imray was immediately handed a place in Palace’s matchday squad, and featured on the bench in a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland.

Following the Seasiders’ 2-1 defeat away to Barnsley, Evatt said: “I think you know how frustrated I am. It was the last day of the recall option, and there was no prior warning.

“Having said that, we are grateful to Crystal Palace that they gave us him in the first place. He’s their player, so they’re entitled to do whatever they feel is best.

“I like to think that we’ve done a lot for Danny, and he’s obviously done a lot for us.

“I’m not going to criticise them, they’re entitled to do whatever they want to, but it stings when he’s one of our best players.

“Sometimes that’s the issue of falling in love with loan players - I’ve had that in my career so far. I had some good ones at Bolton, I had Conor Bradley and James Trafford. You fall in love with these guys but they’re not achievable for us long-term. That’s the nature of the loan market, and we have to move on.

“We wish him well because he’s a brilliant kid and he’s done well for us. We think he’s got a really bright future, so hopefully he goes there and shows it.”

Your next story from the Gazette: Former Blackpool favourite opens up on special connection, being brave, and 'painful' departure.

To subscribe to the Blackpool Gazette's excellent Blackpool FC coverage and more - click here.