Richard Eckersley returns to Burnley FC

Richard Eckersley has returned to Burnley following the end of his three-month loan spell with Bradford City.

The Clarets defender made 12 appearances with the Bantams after linking up with the League Two side in mid-November.

Eckersley, who cost Burnley £500,000 from Manchester United in the summer of 2009, has yet to start a league game for the Clarets, making just three Carling Cup and one FA Cup appearances.

The 21-year-old finished last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, where he played seven games.