YOUNG Burnley defender Ryan Cooney has returned to Morecambe for a second loan spell.

The 20-year-old right back has agreed a season-long move from Turf Moor, having spent the second half of last season with the Shrimps.

Cooney, who had been a regular for the Clarets' Under 23s, initially signed for Morecambe in January - along with fellow Burnley youngster Adam Phillips - and went on to make 11 appearances before the League Two season was cut short by the Coronavirus pandemic.

He has a new one-year deal at Turf Moor but has been allowed out to gain further Football League experience.

And having been impressed by the youngster, Morecambe manager Derek Shaw opted for a longer term loan move for the upcoming 2020/21 season.

"Ryan did particularly well for us while on loan last season," said the Shrimps boss.

"He's a competitor, tough in the tackle, defensively very good and can get forward, putting good balls in the box.

"He needs to kick on now and do well again this year, he's received another year's contract with Burnley and we're delighted to have him on loan for the season ahead."

Cooney has kept on top of his training after being recalled by Burnley ahead of the first Premier League re-start game against Manchester City. And he is relishing his Morecambe return.

"I really enjoyed my time here last season," he said.

"I had a good run of games and it was unfortunate that the season ended the way it did.

"We got called back in (at Burnley) just leading up to the Manchester City game, so I've been training for a while.

"It will be good to start this season with a fresh start. The gaffer has made some good additions to the squad and I think we'll improve."Cooney had previously gained first team experience at former club Bury.

He made 29 first-team appearances for the Shakers, helping them win promotion to League One before the club's financial problems and expulsion from the Football League due to unpaid debts, ending 125 years' membership.