NATHANAEL Ogbeta watched Barnsley’s opening day win at his parent club Plymouth Argyle on television but has since enjoyed being an ever-present at left-back.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds on loan this summer from the Devon club, where he spent a ‘very difficult’ season.

Barnsley won 3-1 despite having Jack Shepherd sent off.

Ogbeta told the Chronicle: “It was a bit of a conflict of interest. I have a lot of friends at Plymouth but Barnsley is my team at the moment.

“I watched it from home. It was good the lads were able to pull through and play really well even with the difficulty of going down to ten men.

“It shows the mindset and mentality the gaffer is trying to instill in us.”

Ogbeta has since started the next four games.

He said: “I am enjoying getting into some rhythm. I don’t think I played two games consecutively last season so now it’s a blessing. The staff are really good at making sure we’re recovering because the games are coming thick and fast. It’s more about staying strong mentally to push every day. The lads have a mentality to push each other towards what we want to achieve this season.”

Ogbeta has been seen sprinting down the touchline to put crosses in when playing behind Davis Keillor-Dunn who has been starting on the left wing but moving inside.

At other times, when playing with natural winger Reyes Cleary, Ogbeta has moved into midfield when the Reds have the ball.

“The gaffer has given me a lot of freedom to go inside and outside.

“It’s just using the attributes I have in a positive way. It’s good when a coach sees what you have and knows how to utilise it. I started my early career as a midfielder and I love being in there and also being one v one out wide and putting crosses in.

“It depends on who we’re playing and who the winger is in front of me.

“I will stick to the gameplan the gaffer gives us.”