Last Updated: Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:14
Lee Johnson has returned from his one-month loan spell at Derby after Bristol City refused to extend his stay until the summer.
The midfielder made six starts and one substitute appearance for the Rams during his month on loan at Pride Park. And while City boss and the player's father Gary Johnson was willing to extend his stay for a second month, Derby boss Nigel Clough wanted him until the end of the season.
Gary Johnson told the club's website: "Derby didn't want to take Lee for another month and run the risk of having him recalled.
"We have a number of games coming up in very quick succession and don't want to loan Lee out at Derby for the rest of the campaign when we might need him."
Johnson will go into City's squad for Saturday's clash with Coventry at Ashton Gate.