Is Thommo really that good?

Shamelessly lifted from "Through the Seasons Before Us", Ronnie Moore appears upset that we have recalled Thommo from his loan spell:

“To allow the second month and then call him back ten days into it, not because of injuries, but basically to probably bugger us up more than anything, knowing that we’re short on defenders. But it happens.

“I thank him (Calderwood) for letting us have him obviously, but then I feel a little betrayed that he’s taken him back when really there is no need. I think he probably had a panic on.”