Aidy White's loan to Barnsley will push left-back rival George Smith on while also providing defensive stability, says Lee Johnson.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds until January 3 this week from local rivals Rotherham United and will provide competition for 19-year-old Smith.

Johnson said: "George Smith is so young and has played 20 games this season already. That is fantastic for him. But he's had no genuine threat for his place and Aidy will provide that.

"I see Aidy as a left-back or a left winger so he is able to provide competition in both positions, which we need. He can use the experience he has and his communication skills to help our defence.  He needs a run of games where he doesn't feel like he is going to get dropped straight away."

White's first game will be at former club Oldham tomorrow. He scored four goals in 24 games for the Latics during two loan spells from first club Leeds for whom he played 111 games. He was also loaned out to Sheffield United before joining Rotherham this summer. He was a regular for the Millers at the start of the season but has struggled for gametime since Barnsley legend Neil Redfearn took over as manager.

"I had six or seven months at Oldham as a teenager which was good," said White, who knows fellow new man Kevin Long as well as Conor Hourihane from the Republic of Ireland under 21s.

"It will be the first time I have played at Oldham since and hopefully I can help Barnsley get the win.  I am excited to be here and looking forward to the challenge of getting the team up the table where they belong. Neil Redfearn told me it was a great club. It's not been a great run but we have got to put it right. The lads are upbeat and staying positive which is important.  I am going to be solid at the back and play my part going forward."