Teenage attacker George Maris has become the first player to sign for the Reds this season.

The 19-year-old academy graduate put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension yesterday. He had never played for the first team a month ago but, after impressing head coach Lee Johnson with a 25-yard screamer for the under 21s against Nottingham Forest, he made his first team debut as a substitute in the last away game of the season at Bradford then started the 5-0 final day success against Rochdale.

Maris, from Sheffield, admits he worried he would be released from the club he joined as a schoolboy before being given his chance in the first team.

"I am very pleased to sign a new contract," Maris said.

"I have always wanted to stay at this football club. It was a very good end to the season for me. "The gaffer told me he was going to try me out and I was really happy to finally get an opportunity. "He said he wasn't sure whether to give a contract or not and he wanted me to show him a bit more of what I can do. Thankfully I made his mind up.

"I was a lot better against Rochdale.  At Bradford, balls were flying in and I had to win headers which didn't really suit my game but, against Rochdale, we were passing it around which is how I like to play."

Maris, who played nine games on loan for Conference side Nuneaton this season, is hoping to add a lot more to his two appearances for the Barnsley first team next season. He said: "I would like to play regularly but, if the gaffer signs another player in my position, I might not play that much."

Johnson said he had a 'very frank and honest conversation' with Maris before offering him the new deal. The Reds head coach added: "George Maris can produce individual brilliance but he needs to work on the mental and physical sides of his game. We will work on that and his tactical awareness. We are giving his body more time."