Lee Barnard has revealed the decision to leave Crewe and return to parent club Tottenham after his loan spell expired was out of his hands.The 23-year-old returned to White Hart Lane this week after his six-month deal at Alex ended although both the Railwaymen and the player himself appeared to be keen to extend his stay.

Spurs vetoed that plan but Barnard has not ruled out a return to Gresty Road.

He told the Crewe Guardian: "To be fair to Steve Holland and the club, they were very keen for me to stay. I stated I'd be interested in that, if I was going to be playing first-team football.

"I spoke to Steve and he explained that the decision was out of his hands because Tottenham wanted to recall me. I would have liked to have stayed longer but I am a Tottenham player.

"I am in the last year of my contract there and I think the manager wanted to have a look at me before he decides what to do in the summer. It is a great club and who knows what might happen in the future."

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