BARNSLEY academy manager Bobby Hassell has been pleased to welcome youth loans Xu Bin and Isaac Smith into his under 21s squad in recent weeks.

Xu Bin is a China under 23s international midfielder who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in January then was loaned out to the Reds for experience. Hassell told the Chronicle: “He’s shown some really good signs.

“He will get used to the English type of game compared to what he’s been used to but he has the necessary skills to progress. It’s good to have someone with his energy in the middle.

“He’ll only get better with games.

“Our CEO has a very positive relationship with Wolves and this forms part of a wider piece of work.

“Recruiting from a wider international talent pool also assists future commercial income as well as adding to the football department.

“The number one factor is that this player has got a great attitude and he’s an unbelievable athlete.

“It’s been a challenge for him and a challenge for us in terms of communicating with him but we’ve got Tiago (Rodrigues, academy coach) who’s fluent in Spanish and Xu Bin is actually fluent in Spanish alongside his interpreter.”

Barnsley have also brought in 20-year-old centre-back Smith on loan from Manchester City.

Hassell said: “Isaac Smith is a free hit. He’s been out two and a half years at Man City. He’s been back quite a while, but needs minutes.

“They supported us by letting him come here on a free loan.

“It’s really a trial to the end of the season. But I think he’s got a real chance. We have an option to make it permanent.

“You’d probably say he’s a bit old school in the way he defends. He’s really aggressive. He’s obviously good in possession, which you’d expect.”