Brian McDermott has revealed that the temporary halt of Cameron Stewart's loan is to maximise the number of games that the winger can play for Leeds United.

Stewart moved to Leeds from Hull City on loan last month and his 93-day contract means that he would miss games at the end of the season.

However, by breaking up his loan, McDermott has ensured that Stewart, who will join Leeds permanently in the summer, can play as many games as possible with his current loan contract.

"If he'd have played on Tuesday he'd have missed three or four games at the back end of the season," McDermott explained to the club website. "But by missing Tuesday it means he can play in them all other than the last game of the season."

Stewart missed out at Brighton & Hove Albion last night as Leeds's two-game winning streak was ended with a 1-0 defeat to the Seagulls.

"Did we miss him? You can always look after the event, but you make a decision and you stand by it. The benefit to us is the games he can play later now," added McDermott.

Stewart will be back in the Leeds squad for the trip to Middlesbrough on February 22.