Lewis Baker has been recalled by Stoke City after a six-month stay at Ewood Park.

The 29-year-old made 13 appearances for Rovers, getting on the scoresheet in the win at Cardiff in November.

It is a blow for John Eustace's midfield options, with skipper Lewis Travis currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.

A statement read: “Everyone at the club thanks Lewis for his service and wishes him the very best in his future career.”

Eustace admits it is disappointing to lose Baker and hailed the midfielder’s impact around the squad over the past few months.

“Lewis has been fantastic on and off the pitch – most important off the pitch really,” said the head coach.

“He is a leader and his experience has really helped the group through some good times and difficult times.

“He has been brilliant with the young boys, he is a top professional and that is the reason we brought him to the football club. We knew what we would get from him and he is going to be missed."

Mark Robins took charge at Stoke last week and has decided that Baker could have a role to play for the Potters during the second half of the campaign.

“Especially a player of Lewis’ quality, when a club gets a new manager there is always that risk and unfortunately we have lost him, but it will give somebody else an opportunity now,” Eustace added.

When asked if losing Baker will affect Rovers’ plans in the transfer window, the head coach replied: “I think it is very evident when we lose any player – through injury or suspension – we are light in those areas.

“Obviously, Trav and Sonny did very well. Bakes came in, Johnny Buckley is there as well fighting for that shirt.

“But if we do get any injuries in that area now, it will leave us even more thin than what we were before. If we could (get somebody in) then fantastic.”

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that Owen Beck and Amario Cozier-Duberry, who are on loan from Liverpool and Brighton respectively, will remain at Ewood Park for the full season.