Burnley boss hails impact of Josh McQuoid

But it remains to be seen whether the Millwall forward will return.

McQuoid’s 93-day loan expired after the setback at Bloomfield Road, and Howe feels the former Bournemouth man has been a success at Turf Moor.

Howe has been asked about the prospect of a permanent deal for the 22-year-old, most recently after his only goal for the club in the 2-1 win at Doncaster a fortnight ago, but he has been reticent to expand on it, saying: “He’s a Millwall player and I respect Kenny Jackett and Millwall immensely, so let’s wait and see.”

The Northern Ireland international has two years left on his contract at Millwall, but has made only 19 appearances for the Lions since moving for a fee in excess of £500,000 in January 2011.

He has been linked as a makeweight in a Millwall move for Bournemouth’s Scott Malone, and Howe said: “I think he’s done well. He’s filled in the various positions, which is the job that we wanted him to do.

“He probably could have scored more than the one goal he got, but I think he can be really pleased with his contribution.

“He’s been a joy to work with, he’s been very good for the squad, and we wish him well going back to Millwall.

“I think, personally, he’s taken a great deal out of it.

“It’s probably his longest run in the Championship in terms of games and experience, and I think it will have done his confidence the world of good.”

Asked whether Howe would like to bring him back to Turf Moor, he added: “He’s one that we like.

“He’s a really good team player – he thinks of the team ahead of himself.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Josh, so wherever his career takes him we’ll certainly keep an eye on him and wish him well.”

Meanwhile, Howe admits he would like his players to use Blackpool’s play-off party as inspiration next season.

The Seasiders’ win over Burnley confirmed a place in the top six and a shot at promotion, and Howe hopes it is the Clarets celebrating this time next year.

He said: “I think we can use it as an incentive.

“Take Saturday out of the equation, we want to achieve what Blackpool have achieved next season.

“You can see the atmosphere in the ground, the positivity around the place, and that’s going to be our aim next season.

“I think that’s how we have to look at it.

“We have to use the disappointment, as I’ve said before at times this season, as our motivation.

“We’re not in there.

“We feel we have the players capable of doing that, so we’ve got to make sure this makes us stronger.”