Many football fans were surprised to see Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley have his loan spell cut short at Barnsley earlier this week.
Initial reports were suggesting that the highly rated midfielder was deemed not good enough for the first team at Oakwell and was subsequently being shipped back to the Emirates to continue his development.
However, Barnsley manager Lee Johnson has been speaking today about the youngster and he insisted that the reports couldn't be further from the truth, and that Crowley was recalled to possibly feature for the Gunners first team amidst their current injury crisis.
Johnson went on to add that Crowley was one of the most talented 18 year olds he'd ever seen before putting a dagger through the hearts of Ireland fans by declaring he'll play for England one day.
I think that Dan's had a fantastic time here, we've really enjoyed working with him. He's probably one of the best, or the best, or most talented 18-year-olds I've ever seen.
I came through the ranks at Arsenal as well, so there's players like Ashley Cole that I include in that, players that have had very good careers. For me, it was fantastic to work with him.
I'd love to work with him someday in the future, because I believe at some point this boy will play for the England national team, if he can iron out the little bits that will come through maturing and playing in a different level.
Suggestions that Crowley was willing to switch his international allegiance back to Ireland got fans very excited a couple of months ago. That was followed by Martin O'Neill's confirmation that talks were under way to convince Crowley to declare for the boys in green.
However, when he was called up to England u19s for the first time, Ireland's hopes took a significant blow. No one wants another Jack Grealish situation but, if has been suggested, his mind is not made up, Johnson's quotes show exactly why Martin O'Neill and the FAI shouldn't give up just yet.
