Arsenal youngster’s loan spell ended following warning about behaviour

Arsenal youngster will make an early return to the Emirates Stadium…

Oxford United are to end the season-long loan of Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley six months early.

The 19-year-old midfielder has made 11 appearances in all competitions for the League One club, scoring three goals.

Crowley, an England Under-19 international, has been left out of Oxford’s squad for their past three games.

Oxford head coach Michael Appleton would not reveal the exact reasons for Crowley’s return to Arsenal, but he previously warned the player about his conduct.

Appleton told the Oxford Mail last month that the teenager’s head was not “in the right place”.

He added: “There are a couple of issues I want to make sure are addressed in terms of what he does on and off the field.

“He’s a 19-year-old lad who has fantastic ability, but his professionalism at times lets him down.

“He’s had a few issues at Arsenal and Barnsley previously. It’s all a massive learning curve for him.

“Ultimately sometimes when people step out of line you have to put them in their place.”

Crowley was part of Aston Villa’s academy until the age of 16, and was part of the squad for their NextGen Series victory over Chelsea in 2013.

Arsenal had to pay Villa £209,000 after Crowley signed for them and he went on to play 13 times for Barnsley while on loan at the Yorkshire club last season.