On-loan star Rhys Williams has returned to Middlesbrough after his ineligibility for Burnley's play-off campaign was confirmed by the FA.
The right back has been a regular in the starting line-up since joining the Clarets on a three-month loan deal at the end of January.
But that agreement expired after Sunday's final league match of the season against Bristol City and FA rules prevent any extension of short-term loans beyond the 93-day maximum.
Burnley had attempted to sign Williams on a long-term loan in January, which would have lasted until the end of June, but Middlesbrough blocked it because such a deal would not have allowed them to recall him at any point should they have required.
Long-term loan deals can only be agreed during transfer window periods.
Owen Coyle wrote a letter to the FA six weeks ago asking if there was any possibility of extending Williams' loan should Burnley make the play-offs, but the request was refused.
Following the Clarets' qualification for the play-offs on Sunday, he contacted the FA for a second time but has again been told that there is no precedent for such a loan extension under the existing rules.
That means Williams will be unavailable for the play-offs and will immediately return to Middlesbrough, where he will be available for their final three Premier League games of the season.
Michael Duff and Graham Alexander are likely to be the two contenders for the Burnley right back spot for Saturday's play-off semi final first leg at home to Reading.
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