Conor Clifford's Barnet future took another twist today after Southend United boss Phil Brown confirmed Martin Allen had not rung him about the midfielder.

Clifford's loan stay ends after Saturday's home game with Forest Green Rovers and when asked on Tuesday if he would like to extend the Dubliner's stay, Bees boss Allen refused to confirm nor deny his interest.

Shrimpers manager Brown has today told the Southend Echo: "I was expecting a call from Martin Allen but he hasn't phoned yet. If I don't get a call then Conor will be coming back after Saturday."

The former Chelsea youngster has scored once in four appearances - two of which were starts - but Allen was tight-lipped when asked if he would like to retain the 23-year-old beyond Saturday.

"We will have to wait and see," he stated. "We will have to have a chat with Southend United and have a chat with Conor. They are the important people in this matter. Once we have done that we will have a chat with Conor and work out what we are going to do."

Allen continued: “He played in our winning team on Saturday in central midfield, which is his best position. He is a great lad and I think he likes being here but we need to speak to (Southend manager) Phil Brown before we go any further with that one.”

The emergency loan window shuts on Thursday, March 26, meaning any deal must be completed by then. Players can spend a maximum of 93 days on an emergency loan deal and Clifford will have used 33 by Saturday.

The Conference play-off final is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, which is 71 days after Clifford's initial loan expires. If the Bees were to require the former Ireland youth cap for the play-off final, his loan would need to be extended on March 18 at the earliest.