LUCA Connell is pleased to have more goals for Barnsley than in any of his previous seasons and wants to add to that tally while helping the team improve defensively.
The 24-year-old midfielder netted seven goals for Queen’s Park in the Scottish third division in the 2021/22 seasons before moving to Oakwell and scoring two, then one, then two goals in his first three seasons.
Now Reds captain, he has four so far this campaign, including two in the last three having netted via a big deflection at Bolton last week then a fine strike this week against Peterborough.
Those goals came after a tough start to this year with a red card, some mistakes and reports of a possible deadline day move to Luton Town which fell through.
Connell told the Chronicle: “It’s nice when you score a decent goal without a deflection but you take them however they come.
“I haven’t done double figures in my career.
“That’s what everyone wants but hopefully I will just add a couple more and hopefully they bring us some points.
“I have been getting into positions higher up the pitch but making sure we are set behind the ball. We have been working hard on that in training.”
The match at Bolton saw Barnsley go 3-0 down after 32 minutes and, although they came back to 3-2, it led to some honest conversations for the Reds squad who have one of the worst defensive records in the country.
Connell said: “We’ve got quite an honest group.
“As soon as you concede, everyone looks at the goalkeeper and defenders but it’s not the case – it starts from the front and it’s everybody.
“We just have to all look at ourselves, make sure we’re doing everything going forward and defending.
“Hopefully we can start keeping a few more clean sheets.”
Barnsley re-signed Tom Bradshaw earlier this month, who is another experienced player for young captain Connell to work with.
“Tom settled in after about ten minutes. He knows some people from being here before.
“If you know Tom, you know he will settle in with anyone.
“He could talk to the wall.
“They are the people you want in the changing room and on the pitch.”
Connell is set to lead the Reds out at local rivals Huddersfield on Saturday.
“It’ll be two sides going head to head, both trying to win the game.
“Both need the points. So I think it will be definitely a great game for the neutral to watch.
“We’re confident after a good result on Tuesday.”
