Blackburn Rovers send Clarkson back to Liverpool

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has cut short the loan of Liverpool midfielder Leighton Clarkson.

Clarkson has made just seven appearances during his time at boyhood club Rovers after arriving from the Premier League club.

However, with the January loan window now open, a break clause has been activated that will see the midfielder go back to the Reds.

After being left out of the squad for the 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town, Mowbray confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph: “Leighton is going to go back to Liverpool.

“I've had lot of chats with Leighton and I want to put on record that this lad is an amazing footballer, what a talent.

“You talk about Harvey Elliott, he's got all those qualities, weight of pass, brilliant finishing, an amazing footballer who sees all the pictures, all the patterns.

“Yet he's come at a time when our team is functioning and he understands.

“He knows football, it's hurting him because he's a Rovers fan and I haven't been able to give him the game-time and he understands that because the team is winning and functioning.

“Who would I be leaving out? Would I be leaving out Buckley, or Rothwell, or Travis? I don't think so.

“We moved to three at the back so it's only really two central midfielders because Buckley plays like a false nine.

“The opportunities became less and less and I felt for him because I said he needs to play football, with that talent he needs to play and express it, how fantastic a footballer he is.

“I would assume Liverpool would look for another opportunity for him to go and play, at what level we'll wait to see.

“Whether there is another Championship team who thinks he can be a regular starter, because that's what he needs to do and grow into the footballer he's undoubtedly going to be because he's very, very talented."