REYES Cleary says he has learned to play without fear and take risks in his short career, leading to his remarkable 70-yard strike in Barnsley’s 2-2 draw at Bradford City on Saturday.

The 21-year-old forward, starting just his second game in the professional leagues, equalised from deep within his own half at Valley Parade.

Cleary joined the Reds in the summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion who had loaned him out to Walsall then Hartlepool.

He told the Chronicle: “Watching the high levels of the Premier League players, they all play with confidence. They are the best players because they take risks and aren’t just safe every time.

“When I made my debut at 17 for West Brom I wanted keep the ball and be safe but now I am playing with freedom.

“I have never scored a goal like that before. I scored a goal at Hartlepool which was far out but in their half. I always back myself from any distance as a forward player.”

Bradford then retook the lead but substitute Patrick Kelly equalised again after the break and Cleary was pleased his wonder strike helped earn at least a point.

“I was glad it got us a draw. Patrick Kelly came off the bench and did really well. It’s tough coming off international break but he did well and got his goal.”