BARROW AFC have confirmed Jimmy Dunne will not be back at Holker Street for the final four months of the National League season.

The 20-year-old defender returned to parent club Burnley on Tuesday, with the Bluebirds hopeful they would be able to bring him back for a second spell.

However, an AFC club statement on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that interest in the Irishman from Football League clubs meant he would not feature again for Barrow.

The statement said: “With several Football League clubs interested in acquiring his services, Jimmy will not be returning to us in the second half of our Vanarama National League campaign.”

Writing on Twitter, Dunne thanked Barrow for his time there, and said: “Barrow has been a valuable experience for me! Thank you so much for the wonderful support and all the best for the rest of the season #bluebirds.”

Dunne made 23 starts for Barrow after joining the club before the start of the National League season, scoring in the wins at Eastleigh and Woking. He was sent off twice, but had been working on his discipline under AFC boss Ady Pennock in recent weeks.

After the 3-3 draw at Wrexham on New Year's Day, he warmly applauded the travelling fans in what was a goodbye to supporters who had taken to him during his short stay.

Bluebirds managing director Andrew Casson had confirmed on Tuesday that one League Two club were interested in acquiring Dunne, with others having now joined them.

Pennock had already stated his plans for transfer moves in January depended on whether the club would be able to keep loanees Dunne and Calum Macdonald for longer periods.

And the club statement said he was already looking at potential replacements ahead of Saturday's match-up with Tranmere Rovers at Holker Street.

It added: “Everyone at the club thanks him for all of his efforts in a Barrow shirt, showing passion for the club and fans that was far beyond what might be expected of a player on loan at the club.

“There is no doubt that Jimmy has a bright future ahead of him, and we all wish him well for his future career.

“Manager Ady Pennock is working hard to find a replacement for Jimmy as soon as is possible, and is currently in talks with several players with the view to them joining us at the Furness Building Society Stadium.”