Harrison Reed must sit out a reunion with Norwich City after an ankle injury cut short his Blackburn loan stint.

The Southampton prospect made 39 Championship appearances for the Canaries last season, and underlined his versatility with eye-catching displays in defence as well as his favoured midfield role.

Reed was also a hit at Ewood Park, scoring three goals in 36 outings, but has returned to the south-coast to start his rehab after picking up the ankle problem in training earlier this month.

“What an absolute pleasure it was to represent this club this season,” he said, quoted on Rovers’ official site. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone - players, staff and fans - for the opportunities and support given to me throughout. It’s a disappointing way to end the season, but I wish you all the very best in the future. You deserve it.”

The 24-year-old was touted with a second spell in Norfolk last summer, after impressing Daniel Farke, but Rovers’ chief Tony Mowbray swooped for Reed.

“I said to him before he we started the loan that we liked the flexibility around his position so it was important that he didn’t get uptight about central midfield,” said Mowbray.

“We knew he could play off both sides and full back if needed.

“He was okay with that. He played a lot of football, but for a young guy he contributed well for us.

“At his best, as the man of the match awards he won showed, he is one of the best footballers we’ve got. Other days I felt he was a bit inconsistent and lacked a bit of discipline on his position.

“He’d run everywhere to try and get involved but left us a bit empty at times.

“He’s a great lad, took advice well, didn’t moan when he got left out, we all enjoyed his company. It’s frustrating for him, and us, that he’s left before the season with an injury which was really innocuous.”