Barnsley boss Lee Johnson hopeful of bringing impressive Ivan Toney back for second loan spell

Young striker Toney, who had impressed during his time at Oakwell, has been recalled by the Magpies as a contingency ahead of their Christmas schedule, with Reds head coach Lee Johnson revealing he would be keen on bringing the player back to the club in 2016 if the possibility arises.

Johnson, whose side visit David Flitcroft’s Bury on Boxing Day, said: “It’s unfortunate, but part of the rules and regulations. It was a youth loan, so it meant that they could recall Ivan at any point.

“I think they have had a couple of injuries and I had a nice call from their assistant-manager Simmo (Paul Simpson) explaining why they had to bring him back and they were compassionate.

“But he’s their player and it’s one of those things and you have to get on with it.

“They obviously haven’t recalled (Adam) Armstrong and obviously feel he (Toney) will be more suited to their play than him.”

On the chances of him returning to the club in future if that option became available, he added: “Definitely, why not? You take everything on its merits and see who is available.

“But he’s certainly a lad I would have no qualms about bringing back.”

A more welcome development has seen centre-half Long sign on for another month until January 20, although parent club Burnley have a recall clause.

Johnson, who has also revealed he is keen on extending Aidan White’s loan spell from Rotherham said: “He (Long) is a big lad who is quick and decent enough on the ball.

“I think he has enjoyed being here and we have enjoyed having him and we are delighted to keep him.”

Long is seeking to make up for lost time after missing three weeks of action following his sending-off at Peterborough.

The Irishman commented: “I think the whole idea of coming out on loan was to play games and obviously, in my second game on loan, I got sent off, so it wasn’t the best of starts.

“I just want to get a proper run of five or six games in and hopefully my performances will step up with that.

“I think the loan is to January 20 and hopefully I can get the games in and then we will see after that.”