GEORGE Williams sat an exam in the 'fundamentals of strategic management' and is now free to focus on his Barnsley career, starting with a return to his former club tomorrow.

The 21-year-old right-back spent four years in the academy of his hometown club MK Dons and was devastated when released in 2012. But he is now months away from completing a degree in Sports Science and Management at Loughborough University and moved to Oakwell from Conference North side Worcester City in December.

He has come off the bench in League One matches against Preston and Yeovil and – with Mason Holgate suspended while Martin Cranie and James Bree nurse injuries – he could make his first Football League start at Stadium MK.

"It's up to the manager whether I start or not but my next aim is to get 90 minutes," Williams told the Chronicle.

"I can't wait to go back to MK Dons as a professional footballer. "It was a tough time when I was released but I went straight to Loughborough and haven't looked back.  I've got a second chance at Barnsley and I'm going to make the most of it. I know a couple of the MK lads like George Baldock and Daniel Powell and a lot of friends and family will be there."

Williams was an unused substitute for the Reds in their 1-0 loss at Doncaster on Saturday – a day after taking his first exam – and admits he is very busy at the moment.

He said: "It's surreal because one day I am training or playing with a professional football club then the next day I am revising in the library at Loughborough. It feels a bit like I am in two different worlds, but it will be worth it.

"Having been out of the professional game for a few years, I know that anything can happen to a footballer and you need a back-up plan. So my degree is very important to me.  It opens up opportunities in careers like physiotherapy but also accounting and marketing.

"The gaffer at Barnsley has been really accommodating and understanding during my exam period, as I have had to miss a bit of training. But now I have finished my exams, I am fully focused on Barnsley.

"Loughborough are filming lectures and sending them to me so I can stay up here all the time. "I have more exams in June but that will be after our season finishes."