Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley has been described as a future England player by Barnsley manager Lee Johnson, who played down reports that the teenager had been sent back after failing to make the grade in League One.

Johnson, who came through Arsenal's academy, also said Crowley is one of the most talented 18-year-olds he's ever seen, better than former Arsenal, Chelsea and current Roma left-back Ashley Cole.

Crowley was recalled by the Gunners on Wednesday, with the suggestion that he could be involved with the first team at his parent club, rather than being unwanted at Oakwell.

Dan Crowley could be a future England international according to his loan boss Lee Johnson

Crowley shares a joke with Arsene Wenger, and could be on his way back to play in the Arsenal first team

Crowley took part in pre-season with the Premier League club, and could cover during their injury crisis

Injuries in their midfield have left Arsene Wenger's squad depleted, opening the door to Crowley, who was called by England Under-19s for the first time earlier this month.

Johnson said: 'I think that Dan's had a fantastic time here, we've really enjoyed working with him. He's probably one of the best, or the best, or most talented 18-year-olds I've ever seen.

'Obviously I came through the ranks at Arsenal as well, so there's players like Ashley Cole that I include in that, players that have had very good careers. For me, it was fantastic to work with him, really enjoyed it, really appreciative to Arsenal.

'I think he had four or five really good effective games for us that showed his quality and where he could be.

Barnsley manager Johnson described Crowley as one of the most talented 18-year-olds he had ever seen

Johnson compared Crowley to Ashley Cole, who came through at Arsenal and won 107 England caps

'He had a couple of injuries, he was called up by England, which stunted the starts he could have had, but I've got nothing but positive thoughts about him as a lad and as a player.

'Of course, as a coach I'd love to work with him someday in the future, because I believe at some point this boy will play for the England national team, if he can iron out the little bits that will come through maturing and playing in a different level.

'I'm disappointed to lose him, but it's the law.