Richard Eckersley reckons City have moulded him into a better player for Burnley.

Eckersley and Hull striker Mark Cullen both returned to their parent clubs after their Valley Parade loans expired.

Peter Taylor was keen to keep the pair but reluctantly let them go with City’s long-term casualties now back in the picture.

Former Manchester United trainee Eckersley started 12 games in a row after signing in November – the longest run of senior football in his career.

The 21-year-old’s form has alerted new Clarets boss Eddie Howe, who now wants to take a closer look for himself.

Taylor said: “All the loan lads we’ve had have shown a good attitude and Richard has trained superbly every day.

“I think he’s going to be a good player in the future and I know Eddie wants to see what he can do.”

Eckersley, whose only Burnley appearance this season came in the Carling Cup, believes the Championship side are getting a more rounded right back in their ranks.

“I think I’ve developed as a player,” he said. “I needed a stretch of games to kick on and I’ve had that with Bradford.

“It’s so frustrating mentally and physically when you’re playing reserve football. You try to get a run of games and fitness but you only play once every two weeks if you’re lucky, and that’s not enough.

“Burnley realised that I just wanted to go out and play football and be part of a team.

“You get the ups and downs as a footballer and I’ve seen that. You’ve got to learn to deal with it.

“You learn that it’s all about the team and getting results for the team. You are cheering every goal that goes in and get upset when you lose.

“The more you play, the more you bond with your team-mates and that makes you a stronger player.”

Cullen saw much less game time and made only one start during his month with the club.

Taylor added: “To be fair to Mark, he had a little bit of a virus when he first came here and that affected his start.

“I would have liked to keep the pair of them but I think Hull wanted to take him back.”

The transfer window shut last week but clubs beneath the Premier League can now take players on emergency loans of up to 93 days.

Steve Williams, who has been out since the Bury game on January 3, could rejoin training this morning.