Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill has admitted to being surprised that Southampton did not recall Nathan Tella in January.
Tella has been outstanding for Burnley under coach Vincent Kompany this season.
However, Brownhill and his teammates expected Tella to go back to Southampton midseason, with the Saints likely to get relegated from the Premier League.
I was shocked they didn't take him back in January but selfishly very happy," Brownhill said.
He has arguably been the best player in the Championship."
The 23-year-old has two more years on his Southampton contract.
