VIMAL Yoganathan reached 50 games for Barnsley this week and admits there have been plenty of highs and lows in that half-century as he learns the game.

The 20-year-old Welsh midfielder, who joined the Reds at under 16 level, has made 35 appearances for the first team this season and has been in and out of the starting 11.

Yoganathan told the Chronicle: “There have been so many ups and downs in those 50 games.

“I kind of knew it was going to be like that, but potentially even more so.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs but they have all helped me get through the season. I am not thinking too far ahead but it should help me for next season as well.”

Yoganathan has not started regularly for the Reds in recent months, with his previous start being against Northampton last month when he missed some good chances.

But he returned to the 11 on Saturday and scored a fine header in a win over Exeter. He told the Chronicle: “I had a chance, started, it potentially didn’t go as well as I wanted it to. But after that is the most important time because a lot of lads would think ‘whatever, it doesn’t matter.’ But for me it was the most important time to stay focused, grounded and put the hard work in.

“I focused on myself, doing well in training and being patient until I got another opportunity. I got another opportunity on Saturday and felt I took it well. When I am at my best, you see my attributes of being aggressive, winning the ball back, being confident, being tidy and clever on the ball.”

It was his fifth goal for the Reds but first in the league at Oakwell having bagged a brace in the EFL Trophy last season then netting at Doncaster and Stockport in November.

“It was instinct. I had a couple of headers earlier in the season. It was getting it on target and hoping for the best. Obviously it landed in the corner.”