Lincoln boss Danny Cowley has sung the praises of Sean Raggett as the 'unbelievably committed' defender returns to parent club Norwich City.

The 24-year-old was signed by the Canaries in August in a deal reportedly worth around £350,000 but rejoined the Imps on loan and has helped put together a League Two play-off chase.

Cowley's team are currently fifth, with former Gillingham trainee Raggett having missed just one league match, scoring three goals in 28 games in all competitions.

'He was playing potentially his last game as a loan player, but he's never been a loan player,' the Lincoln boss said after a 4-2 defeat away to leaders Luton on New Year's Day.

'Just look at his commitment. He's going to a Championship club and could have easily protected himself in these last few games and made sure he didn't get himself injured.

'It's a very important period in his life because Norwich are going to make a decision in the next couple of weeks whether he's going to stay with them or go back out (on loan).

'Despite that, he's been unbelievably committed. If I could bottle his mentality, I'd be a rich man.

'If I find a player with a better mentality and a bigger will to win before my managerial career ends, then I'll be a lucky manager.'

MORE: Norwich City sign Sean Raggett from Lincoln City

Raggett was a key part of the Lincoln team which won the National League title last season and scored the winning goal in a giant-killing of Premier League side Burnley, which saw the Imps become the first non-league team to reach the FA Cup sixth round in 103 years.

'You can't replace Sean Raggett, not as a player and not as a person,' Cowley added, speaking to the Lincolnshire Echo. 'He's been phenomenal and we're proud of his development during the short time he's been with us.

'I will watch with real interest to see how his career moves forward. He'll be moving into a Championship squad and maybe there will be players who will have more technical ability than him initially. But he's got a Premier League attitude and a Premier League work ethic and, I promise you this, he will find his way.'

SCOUT REPORT: Norwich new boy Raggett is dominant but developing with Lincoln