TEENAGER Lewis Hardcastle has returned to Blackburn Rovers with plaudits ringing in his ears.

The 17-year-old, who last week signed a professional contract with Rovers, is back at Brockhall after a successful loan spell with Salford City.

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Hardcastle impressed the non-league outfit’s famous owners – former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville – as well as their co-bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

And Johnson, who used to manage Ramsbottom United with Morley, said after the midfielder’s final game for Salford: “What a player he’s going to be.

“We’ve been really happy with him; he’s a great kid with a brilliant attitude.

“I can’t throw anymore superlatives at him, he’s been that good. We’re devastated to be losing him because he’s been an integral part of what we’ve done but that’s football, we knew that when we got him, and we’re absolutely buzzing that he’s gone and got his contract at Blackburn.

“I think in the next few years we’ll see him at the top end.”