REYES Cleary needs to keep impressing in cup games and improve his off-the-ball work before he plays more regularly in the league for Barnsley, says Conor Hourihane.

The 21-year-old winger signed a three-year deal in the summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion but is yet to start a league game, playing just 39 minutes in total.

He impressed in his first appearance in a month on Tuesday in the EFL Cup against Brighton.

Head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “From Reyes’ point of view, we all know he’s got ability. Obviously he’s not played loads in the league.

“He needs to keep getting opportunities in the cup games, whether it’s the Vertu Trophy, and keep knocking on the door.

“From his development point of view, I think he needs to get better out of possession.

“That’ll come with training and information, because there is no doubt he can hurt people with possession.

“But out of possession is just as important and something he needs to take on board as well.”

Hourihane has been playing David McGoldrick on the left wing and bringing on Jon Russell, both of whom are not natural wingers but like to tuck in and allow left-back Nathanael Ogbeta to go forward.

Cleary is more of a natural wide man as he showed by causing Brighton’s right-back Ferdi Kadioglu major problems in midweek.

Cleary told the Chronicle: “It’s just getting the understanding of how the team plays. Didzy (McGoldrick) is playing narrow and I am more out wide on the touchline. It’s just versatility. I feel like I can do that but it’s about timing.”

He added: “I always respect the gaffer’s decision. It’s about focusing on what players in my position are doing.”

Cleary’s three starts for the Reds have all been in the EFL Cup against Fleetwood, Rotherham and Brighton.

“The Fleetwood game was just me getting going. Rotherham was a tricky one and I came off at half-time but we won so I can’t complain.

“Brighton was just testing myself against a Premier League side.”