Newcastle United youngster Dan Barlaser is set to return to Tyneside after his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra was cut short.
The 22-year-old talented midfielder joined the League Two side on loan in January in an attempt to get some first-team experience, but the temporary move has turned sour.
As reported by the Chronicle, Barlaser has seen just 58 minutes of action for Crewe since January, with not one of his appearances coming as part of the starting XI.
The frustrating spell in Cheshire saw Alexandra boss David Artell prefer two players even younger than Barlaser – Callum Ainley and Charlie Kirk – with the Newcastle youngster instead turning out for the club’s Under-23s.
As confirmed on Crewe’s official website, the decision has now been taken to end Barlaser’s spell at the League Two club, with Artell quoted as saying: “I spoke to Dan and to Newcastle and explained that those ahead of him in the team didn’t deserve to not be playing. Dan said he wasn’t playing enough and I had to agree with him.
“It was just a question of those lads ahead of him doing well. Dan had done well but not well enough to get past Callum Ainley and Charlie Kirk. He played some Under-23 games for us and when I spoke to Newcastle about the situation, they thought it was better for him to return there and play Under-23 football for them.
“That was fine and it was all amicable. We all wish him well.”
OPINION
It is massively disappointing to see Barlaser’s promising move to Crewe break down in such a way. It looked like moving to Cheshire would afford the promising young midfielder a chance to get some first-team action, but it has not turned out like that at all. Returning to St. James’ Park looks the best option for all parties, because there is no point the youngster playing Under-23 football for his loan club. Hopefully Newcastle can sort another spell away for Barlaser soon that actually sees him get some important first-team minutes.