Loan with an obligation to buy is still a good deal especially with 18 months left on his deal. He isn't trusted in a back 4. We've got 3 better right backs and if we go to a back 5 Dyche would rather McNeil at left wing back.
I'd expect we have periods of this happening again though. We'll go on a nice 4/5 game run and pick up a point or 2 from a possible 9. Defensively isn't the issue, it's having forwards who can actually put away chances.