Exeter City midfielder George Birch has been recalled from his loan spell at Weston-super-Mare and will link back up with the Grecians ahead of Saturday's Emirates FA Cup trip to face Manchester City.

19-year-old George joined the Seagulls on loan until the end of next week, but has been brought back to be part of the squad for Saturday's historic fixture.

George has had a very productive loan spell at the Optima Stadium and has made nine appearances for a side that is pushing hard at the top of the National League South table.

Speaking about recalling George, Gary said: "We felt like it was an opportunity as he has done well on loan and he will potentially be on the bench on Saturday as we can name nine players on the bench and hopefully when we get back to the League with seven on the bench he keeps fighting to get involved in the team.

"Liam Oakes has really progressed this year and made appearances, Tom Dean made one earlier in the season but has been blighted by some injury and it's important these young players keep fighting to get opportunities and when they get them they take them.

"I think when we send players out on loan you can see a jump in their level. They are playing match minutes at a level where winning matters every week - it's important now George comes back and hits the ground running in training and forces his way into the team."

The club would like to thank Weston-super-Mare for taking George on loan and helping support his development with the club.