BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer believes the returning John O’Sullivan is an example of the benefits of the transfer window FIFA plan to scrap at the end of this season.

FIFA want to end the emergency loan window that allows Football League and Conference clubs to sign players outside of the international transfer windows in the summer and January.

The FA, however, are currently in talks with FIFA about extending the system until the end of next season.

Bowyer would welcome that – not least as it would allow him to continue to send out promising young players like O’Sullivan when he deems fit.

The midfielder went on an emergency loan to neighbours Accrington Stanley in September and scored four goals in 13 appearances for the League Two outfit.

O’Sullivan then made the step up to League One in February when he signed a one-month deal with Barnsley.

The 21-year-old, who was on loan at Southport last season, has helped the Tykes to six wins and a draw during his short stay at Oakwell.

But it is a stay that will come to an end after their match at home to Preston North End today.

Bowyer, who could be without eight first-team players for Rovers’ Championship clash at home to Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon, said: “John O’Sullivan is coming back.

“He’ll certainly be involved in the squad when he comes back because you only had to look at Tuesday night against Brentford when we had Connor Mahoney on the bench even though he’d played 90 minutes for the reserves the night before.

“So John will come back from what has been a successful loan for him again, this time at Barnsley.

“We’re delighted he’s continued to make the development he’s made. He’s gone from the Conference, to League Two and now League One.

“That’s where the emergency loan window is an added bonus. You can send the young ones out, toughen them up and get them used to real football because, no disrespect, U21s is not real football.”

The emergency loan window for this season closes on Thursday.

Rovers currently have space for one loan signing or free transfer under the terms of their Financial Fair Play embargo.

Even though Doneil Henry has returned to West Ham United after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury it is understood he is still considered to be on loan at Rovers until the one-month deal he penned expires on April 6.

“We always knew we’d have one available so that was something we’ve always looked at doing,” said Bowyer, who expects Ipswich Town to extend striker Luke Varney’s emergency one-month loan until the end of the season.

“But with Doneil getting injured we have to be a little bit careful which position we pick that player for.

“Ideally we’d like a 6ft 4in quick utility player who can player anywhere across the back four, midfield and up front but surprisingly there’s not many of them about at the moment!”

Henry is the only emergency loan signing Rovers have made this season.

But he could be their last if Bowyer is unable to make an addition to his severely stretched squad before Thursday – and then if FIFA get its way.

“Whatever happens you need to know before the start of the season as then you’ve got no excuses with it,” said Bowyer.

“If they decide not to have the window, then fine, you’d have to crack on and organise your squad accordingly.

“But if they persist with it, then great.”​