Yahoo Sports McNair leaves Black Country for sunny San Diego
West Bromwich Albion joint-caretaker boss Chris Brunt has confirmed that injured on-loan defender Paddy McNair has kicked his last ball for the club - and will rejoin his parent club San Diego on 1 January.
McNair went off with a hamstring injury just four minutes into the 0-0 home Championship draw with Cardiff City - on only his third start following his August deadline-day move.
But that effectively ended his Albion career on the spot - as he is only just back in training at the Baggies' Walsall training ground following his expected eight-week absence.
"We knew it was going to the case when we signed him," said Brunt, McNair's former Northern Ireland international team-mate.
"He'll be a bit disappointed as to how it's worked out for him here. He was enjoying himself until he picked up that injury.
"I wish him all the best but, let's face it, San Diego will be much nicer this time of year than Walsall."
Decisions also have to be made on two more loan deals - Aston Villa winger Lewis Dobbin and Albion defender Caleb Taylor, who has played a key part in Wycombe Wanderers' success in League One this season.
"Caleb Taylor has done well at Wycombe," Brunt told BBC Radio WM. "That will have to be looked at.
"As for Lewis Dobbin, he was disappointed to be left out on Boxing Day, but he came on for us at Sheffield United.
"That will be down to people above my head at the club to make a decision. Although it does say 'loans manager' on my job title, that's nothing to do with me."
With regard to Albion's injury issues on the short-term front, Brunt said that Alex Mowatt and Mason Holgate, both missing at Bramall Lane with groin injuries, are also expected to miss the New Year's Day home game with Preston North End.
"Both will get scanned and it's hopefully nothing too serious for either of them - but New Year's Day might be a bit soon for them."
Chris Brunt was talking to BBC Radio WM's Steve Hermon
