STRIKER Nathan Delfouneso has returned to Aston Villa after ending his loan spell with Burnley.

The England Under 21 international has been allowed to rejoin the Premier League club early after the Clarets' play-off hopes ended with defeat at Leeds United on Saturday.

Delfouneso scored the winner on his debut against Hull City in March, just hours after completing his loan deal.

However, that proved to be the 20-year-old's only goal in 11 appearances for the club.

Manager Eddie Howe said: "Burnley Football Club would like to thank Nathan for all his efforts during his time with us and we wish him well on his return to Villa Park."

Delfouneso was yesterday named alongside former Turf Moor team-mates Jay Rodriguez and Jack Cork in England's provisional squad for next month's European U21 Championships in Denmark.