Loan defender's Carlisle United spell is cut short

Seán Grehan's loan spell at Carlisle United has been cut short.

The defender has returned to parent club Crystal Palace.

Grehan, 20, had been on loan with the Cumbrians until the end of the season.

But after just three brief substitute appearances since his January move, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has now departed Brunton Park.

Carlisle confirmed Grehan's departure today and manager Paul Simpson said: “Following discussions between Crystal Palace, Sean and myself, a decision has been made for him to end his loan spell and return to Palace.

“Unfortunately loans sometimes don’t work out as everyone would hope, and this has been the case with this one.

“We wish Sean all the best in the future.”

Reports in the South London Press on Wednesday had indicated that Palace were considering recalling Grehan after a lack of first-team game time.

At his 2pm Thursday afternoon press conference Simpson said he was unaware of such developments.

But the move was confirmed three hours later.

Grehan joined Carlisle on a half-season loan on January 4 but did not start a first-team game during his time with the Blues.

His debut came as a 73rd minute substitute in February's 3-2 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Further appearances from the bench came in United's defeats to Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town in February and March.

His first-team time at United amounted to a total of 38 minutes, while Grehan has also played in reserve and Fred Conway Cumberland Cup games.