Blackpool recall midfielder Ryan Finnigan from his season-long loan at Walsall

The 22-year-old, who was voted League Two player of the month in November, notched four goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Walsall in all competitions.

Walsall hit with Finnigan recall

Birmingham City recalled Swedish midfielder Emil Hansson from his loan stay with the Seasiders last week and Ian Evatt claimed in his post-match interview on Sunday that Finnigan will be returning to Bloomfield Road. 

"I think we need another midfield player. Ryan is coming back tomorrow but he will fill the spot that Emil has left behind, but we need more to help the spine of the team," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Blackpool dropped to 18th in League One after slumping to back-to-back defeats following a 2-1 setback at home to Bradford City. 

Finnigan scored each of his three league goals during an award-winning November - including a brace in the Saddlers' 4-2 win at Newport County.

He has started nine of the past 10 games in League Two, but becomes the first loanee to be recalled since the January window opened on Thursday.

A club statement read: "Walsall can confirm Ryan Finnigan has been recalled by parent club Blackpool and will return to Bloomfield Road with immediate effect. 

"The midfielder excelled during his time at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium and was also recognised for his performance in November by picking up the League Two player of the month award. 

"We would like to thank Ryan for his efforts and contributions during his time at WS1 and wish him the best of luck for the future." 

Mat Sadler was coy when asked about the possibility of recalls last week, with Myles Roberts, Jid Okeke, Dan Cox, Rico Richards and Daniel Kanu also on loan. 

Without Finnigan, Walsall still have Jamie Jellis, Charlie Lakin, Courtney Clarke, Jake Hollman and Richards as options in the advanced midfield roles, although the latter pair have been firmly on the fringes.