PHIL Parkinson admitted Alan Sheehan has grown “frustrated” with life on the Valley Parade sidelines after City did their final transfer business of the season.

Sheehan teamed up with Aaron Mclean’s Peterborough before the emergency loan window shut and Parkinson replaced him with Blackpool skipper Tony McMahon.

Sheehan has started 19 games since his arrival on a two-year deal from Notts County last summer but most of them were earlier in the season.

He has found himself playing second fiddle to James Meredith, who has shown consistently impressive form since regaining his place at left back in October.

Only four of Sheehan’s starts have come in the last 27 games – his most recent at centre half alongside Meredith in City’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at Reading.

Parkinson felt his frustration had been growing over the lack of involvement and believes a short-term move away to Posh will suit everyone.

“I just felt that Alan needed to play,” said Parkinson. “He has come in and done a good job for us but he hasn’t nailed down a regular starting berth.

“With that comes frustration because he is used to playing regularly – he was captain of Notts County.

“He is frustrated and wants to go out and play and that works well for us with getting Tony in.”

McMahon adds to the growing Blackpool presence at City – he joins Gary MacKenzie and Francois Zoko on loan from the Championship’s bottom club.

The doomed Seasiders have used an incredible 52 players this term but McMahon has appeared 33 times – only three others have played more.

He is another out of contract in the summer and boss Lee Clark is looking to clear the decks as they plan for the inevitable drop to League One – which could be confirmed as early as next weekend.

McMahon, who has Premier League experience as a youngster with Middlesbrough, has played chiefly at right back for Blackpool. But Parkinson sees him as a versatile option capable of covering a variety of roles.

Parkinson said: “Tony can play right back, left back, pretty much anywhere across the back four and in midfield.

“He has been playing regularly for Blackpool and we’re pleased to get him. He was very keen to come and is looking forward to making a contribution between now and the end of the season.”