Coventry boss Andy Thorn has confirmed Gary Gardner cannot be recalled early from his month-long loan stay by parent club Aston Villa.
Thorn says Villa will not be able to take midfielder back just yet
Coventry boss Andy Thorn has confirmed Gary Gardner cannot be recalled early from his month-long loan stay by parent club Aston Villa.
The young midfielder joined the Sky Blues on the final day of the loan window last month and scored on his debut against Brighton.
News that Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas has been ruled out for the rest of the season sparked fears Gardner could be recalled but Thorn insists the 19-year-old will be at the Ricoh Arena for the remainder of his agreement.
"We've got him for the month and then after that they have a recall (clause) on him," Thorn said.
Troublesome ear
Asked whether Jenas' injury means Villa will opt to activate that option at the end of this month, Thorn added: "He's their player, that's their decision.
"We'd love to keep him, I'd love to have done a lot of things, but we'll deal with the situation when it arises."
Gardner scored on his Coventry debut in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton before being forced off in the second half of last weekend's loss at Portsmouth due to an ear infection.
He has had a scan on his troublesome ear and is set to return to training on Friday, with the youngster likely to be fit for Saturday's visit of Hull City.
