REYES Cleary has noticed teams are starting to double up against him after his remarkable performances for Barnsley this autumn and will work with Conor Hourihane to find ways to combat that.
The 21-year-old winger did not start any of Barnsley’s first nine league games this season but has started the last seven, scoring three goals and adding four assists. He has been named League One’s Young Player of the Month for November.
He often had two players marking him in the 3-1 loss at Lincoln City on Tuesday.
Cleary told the Chronicle: “When I got the ball, they doubled up on my side.
“Me and the manager are going to speak, go over the game and how I can be more versatile for the next games.
“I am learning all the time because I am still at the start of my career.”
Cleary has two caps for England under 19s from 2023.
He played for the Young Lions alongside Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton who have both gone on to play in FA Cup final wins and represent the England senior team.
“It was crazy. I played with players like Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Lewis Hall (Newcastle and England left-back).
“I was just playing under 21s for West Brom then I got the call-up and it’s a whole different level.
“It’s only under 19s but the quality was still high. I still speak to a few of them, mainly Ash Phillips at Stoke.
“I played with some players who play in the Premier League now.
“I feel like I will get to that level one day, it’s my main goal but I am focusing on the here and now.”
Cleary plays on the left wing and could be joined in the team soon by right-winger Fabio Jalo who is returning from a long-term injury.
“When Fabio comes back he will be a real threat to the league.
“It’s been a frustrating patch for him with injuries.
“He played under 21s games and he’s getting fitness. It will be exciting.”
Cleary is hoping that, both personally and collectively for the mid-table Reds, there will be more consistency in the upcoming weeks.
“As a team we need to be more consistent and for myself as well.
“Some games I am not going to be at it but I still need to effect the game.
“I just need to build that consistency.”
Cleary signed for the Reds last summer on a four-year deal, having come through the West Bromwich Albion academy then been loaned to Walsall and Hartlepool United.
