VIMAL Yoganathan was delighted to score his first EFL goal and is hoping to finish what has been a breakthrough 2025 for him on a high.
The 19-year-old midfielder opened the scoring for Barnsley in their win at Doncaster, jinking past veteran striker Billy Sharp in the box before supplying a cool finish. Yoganathan told the Chronicle: “We hit them on the counter and I knew the defender would expect a shot so I thought I would cut inside.
“I had the composure to not lash at it, stay relaxed and find the net.
“It was a personal milestone and hopefully there are many more to come. But in terms of the bigger picture, we got three points and hopefully we can build on that and get more wins and try to climb up the table.”
Yoganathan started Barnsley’s first three league games of the season but, after being sent off at home to Bolton in August, had to wait almost three months to start again in the league this week.
“There have been ups and downs like there will be in every season. It was a good start, starting the first few games and doing well. The red card came and little niggles which haven’t helped but I just tried to work hard in difficult times and be patient. I was happy the gaffer put faith in me on Saturday and I was able to score.”
Yoganathan spent the second half of last season on loan to Oldham Athletic, and was a key player in their run to National League play-off final victory at Wembley. He said: “It was a big achievement in my life, that promotion with Oldham. But it’s just gone now. Hopefully, if we’re in similar situation with Barnsley, I can use that experience.
“If we got to Wembley, it would hopefully just be another game to me.”
Yoganathan is one of a crop of young midfielders in Conor Hourihane’s squad which also includes Jono Bland and Patrick Kelly.
“The gaffer has a lot of trust in young lads and he’s giving us minutes. We need to make sure we repay his trust because opportunities are not easy to come by and we know how tough football can be.
“You can start one minute then not be in the squad the next – I’ve experienced that. With the players we have in midfield there is a lot of talent so I need to make sure I do well when I get opportunities.”
Yoganathan played on the right wing on Saturday having previously been used in a central midfield role or a number ten behind the striker.
“I am more than happy to play wherever the gaffer puts me. I think he’s got enough faith in me to play me wherever in midfield. He’s not scared to put me wherever I am needed and I won’t moan and groan. Wherever I play, I will try to play to the best of my ability and have a big impact on the game.”
