Skipper Barry Bannan says Sheffield Wednesday must move on following Theo Corbeanu's shock departure.
The Owls are a player down in the wide areas after Wolverhampton Wanderers recalled Corbeanu from his hit and miss loan spell. The Premier League club triggered their January recall option and elected to loan out Corbeanu to Wednesday's League One rivals Milton Keynes Dons for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
Sources say Corbeanu was unhappy over his lack of game time at Hillsborough. The 19-year-old started just six times in the league.
The Canadian international made his Dons debut in midweek, producing an eye-catching display in their 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Speaking at his press briefing this afternoon, Bannan told Yorkshire Live: "Theo was a great lad in and around the training ground. He was willing to learn and enjoyed the time that he was here.
"Obviously, I don't know what happened between him and Wolves. Whatever happened happened.
"I would just like to wish him all the best for the future.
"We enjoyed having him here. He is a great lad. He caused no problems around the training ground.
"Things happen in football. He was not our player. It was out of our hands.
"He has moved on now and we wish him all the best. Hopefully we can finish above them in the league and they finish outside of the play-offs and we finish above them!"
Corbeanu featured 18 times in Wednesday colours, scoring two goals.
"He has got talent; there is no doubting he has got a lot of ability," said Bannan. "It is just whether he kicks on now.
"I have seen loads of players that have had talent and not really continued on with their careers where I thought they would play at the top level. They have fallen away.
"Hopefully Theo keeps learning and progressing as a player.
"If he can do that, I am sure he will have a good career."
Wednesday chief Darren Moore said he had no regrets over Corbeanu leaving.
He said: "We at Sheffield Wednesday were so desperate and happy to keep Theo on board and we are really pleased we have aided his development and his continuation at Sheffield Wednesday.
"The the only thing that changes is that he is never our player, they (Wolves) can do as see fit. I never guarantee a player will start. As a manager, I do not endorse it.
"I am delighted for Wolves in allowing us a good player in Theo. We are really pleased in the work done with him going forward and for the next adventure.
"The time we played Theo was spot on. When he first came here, not many knew that he had a terrible bout of illness and his body was run down and we had to build him back up. He was physically drained and we had to persevere with him and get him to a level where he was exceptional.
"We have definitely aided his development, but he was never our player to dictate where he should go in the second half of the season.
"There was a break clause in the contract. Yes, we are disappointed and requested to keep him without a doubt. I can say that to all supporters. But Wolves called to take him back - however late in the day it was - and we thank them and move forward."
Moore said nothing is "imminent" regarding new signings. Yorkshire Live understands Wednesday are in the market for two new centre-backs.
Bannan said: "We have had a lot of injuries to centre-halves. There is no hiding we will be trying to get centre-halves in.
"I would like to see a few centre-halves come in. It is good when you have got competition. It keeps everyone 100 hundred per cent and on their toes."
