BARRY Cotter is enjoying player under ‘huge character in Irish football’ Conor Hourihane and learning a different position.

The 26-year-old Irishman has recently returned from injury under Hourihane who had been a coach under Darrell Clarke who was sacked in March.

Cotter told the Chronicle: “When he first came in, I think I joked to him: ‘how are you sitting beside me, mate?’

“I had so many questions and he had so many stories.

“He’s a huge character in Irish football.

“My friends are huge fans of him so, when he got the job, they were excited.”

He added: “Even Darrell was good to us but, since Conor has come, it’s the attention to detail.

“He played at the highest level and you can feel his experience, you want to listen and learn from him.

“All we have to do is apply ourselves right and just go with it.”

Cotter missed more than three months with an injury he picked up at home to Wrexham on New Year’s Day.

Previous head coach Clarke said he was highly unlikely to return this season but he has played in the last four games, starting the last two.

“I tried to run it off.

“I did the session the following day and it was actually Conor who was doing the passing drill and he said: ‘Baz, you’re not right.’

“I got a scan and the muscle was fully ruptured.

“The physio team have been exceptional. If anything they had to pull the reins back which I am grateful for.

“I got back three weeks ahead of schedule. I am buzzing to get a few fixtures in before the season ends.”

Cotter is usually a right wing-back but has been playing on the left of midfield in recent games as Barnsley switch to a 4-3-3 under Hourihane.

“I grew up as winger then went to Ipswich as a full-back. I have always found the part of the game in the final third the best.

“I am grateful that he’s given me an opportunity to trial a new position.

“I think it can suit me. I get most of my joy at the higher end of the pitch.

“My athleticism and pace hurts teams. It fits this system but I have to keep my head screwed on and give myself the best opportunity to play.”

Barnsley’s players are expected to have a shorter break than usual this summer with ‘check in days’ in their usual off-season and a hard pre-season ahead. Cotter said: “It’s an all-year round contract and we’re full-time professionals.

“I don’t understand how people can go away for that long and not do anything.

“I live locally and I will be playing football somewhere. I am more than happy to come and check in.”