New Barnsley recruit George Williams could well be the brightest player in the Oakwell dressing room.

The 21-year-old right-back is completing the final year of his studies at Loughborough University where he is undertaking a degree in Sports Science with Management.

Williams, who has joined on an 18-month-deal from Conference North Worcester City, will find a compromise to finish his degree while also training full-time at Oakwell.

Barnsley have been interested in him since August and he heard about the deal before last weekend so missed Worcester's game at Stalybridge.

"I was desperate for it to go through and I kept it to myself because I didn't want to jinx it," said the former MK Dons scholar, who is eligible to play on Boxing Day.

"I will probably get a bit of stick (for being a student) but it's part of being a footballer. "It's good to have a bit of diversity in the changing room and it brings the squad together. I'll get in touch with Loughborough and find the best solution for it because I definitely want to carry my degree on."

Williams has enjoyed a successful run in the FA Cup with Worcester which saw them knock out League One Coventry City and take Scunthorpe United to the longest penalty shoot-out in FA Cup history on Wednesday. He scored his spot-kick but Worcester went out. Williams, who describes himself as a 'modern full-back', has plenty to look forward to.

"I'm absolutely delighted to really kick on and prove myself at a high level," he added.

"I was always determined ever since I left Dons. I was desperate to get in the full-time game. Worcester really helped me with my attacking game and it has really come on in the last couple of years and I will be looking to get forward as well as being solid at the back."