'Pool Return Interests Bannan

In an interview with the Blackpool Gazette, Aston Villa loanee Barry Bannan has admitted that he would favour a move back to Blackpool should he fail to force his way into Martin O'Neill's side.

Despite signing a new contract with Villa earlier this season, Bannan does not know what his first team prospects are next season, and despite a loan spell at Blackpool that featured both ups and downs, the midfielder admits that he would gladly return to the club should the opportunity arise.

Bannan impressed everyone at the club with his ability, won the goal of the season award for his sensational strike against Coventry, and chose to join the Seasiders ahead of their rivals Preston.

However, a night out clubbing saw him dropped and suspended from the side by manager Ian Holloway who then became further infuriated by Bannan later in the season for his attitude and ego, although The Gazette report that Ollie was impressed with the talented young player's application and effort during the final weeks of the season both on the pitch and off it, and would gladly take the player back should the opportunity arise.

Bannan said:

'Although it's now over, we'll see what happens in pre-season.

'I am obviously going to go back to Villa and give it a go.

'But if it doesn't work out then I'll have to look at other options, maybe a loan move again.

'If that happens then even if Blackpool were still in the Championship I'd come back, because the gaffer has been absolutely brilliant with me.

'All the boys have been great too and I've made good mates.

'So this would be one of the top options if I was going to come out again.'

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