JOSH Earl was delighted to return from a three-month injury lay-off this week.

The defender broke a bone in his foot just before a match against the club he supports, Liverpool, in the FA Cup in January.

He missed 19 games but returned for the win at Rotherham United on Saturday.

Earl told the Chronicle: “It’s been a long time.

“I have only just started training properly so I am just happy to be on the pitch.

“It was just before Liverpool.

“That’s just football unfortunately. It makes it all worth it when you come back. I am just happy to be playing again and hopefully getting a few more wins before the end of the season.”

Barnsley went seven points clear of the relegation zone with Saturday’s win.

Earl said: “I have not been looking beneath us as a worry this season.

“We have too much quality to worry about that.

“I get we’re in a position where you have a little look, but we’re pretty much there now. Then we will see where we can finish.”

Earl has played just 17 league games this season due to several injuries.

“We’re all disappointed with how the season has gone and I know the fans are.

“I am disappointed personally with injuries, not being involved as much as I want to be.

“But we have to finish strongly and crack on to next season.”

On the win at Rotherham, Earl said: “It was a good result at a good time.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game but we did what we needed to do and got the three points.

“There is always a bit of nervousness in games like that, it was a big game for them and probably us as well.

“Once we scored it settled us down a lot.”