Barnsley boss Heckingbottom delighted to have George Moncur signed, sealed and delivered

The Reds snapped up highly-rated Moncur on a three-year deal from Colchester United, paying the U’s compensation for the player’s signature.

And Heckingbottom is confident the 22-year-old has the attributes to succeed in the Championship.

“We’re very pleased as he had a few suitors and it’s a pat on the back for us as a club really that he chose and wanted to come to us,” said Heckingbottom.

“We know his abilities. We know he can play as a striker or a central midfielder and that’s how we predominantly see him.

“It’s a case of getting him embedded with the way we play now so we can see the best of him as soon as possible.

“We’ve played 4-4-2 and at times 4-3-3 last season which will naturally suit him as well. There’s no right or wrong way to play football but we’ve got a distinct way. Each position on the pitch has its own roles and responsibilities and we want our players to learn that.

“That’s our job when the players come in to make sure they practice them and get used to them as quickly as possible so that we see the best of them quicker on the pitch.”

Moncur is one of give signings the Reds have made since last season, with Heckingbottom strengthening his squad ahead of what promises to be a tough season in the English second tier.

And Heckingbottom hopes Moncur can quickly find his feet and build on the 14 goals in an impressive season in League One last term.

“His outstanding qualities for me are his desire to get on the ball which is massive,” added Heckingbottom.

“That compliments the way we play and I think every eleven that we put out on the pitch want to have the ball.

“He’s got a desire to get on the ball. He’s got a desire to work hard. When he’s got the ball he’s a goal threat and he changes the tempo of the game especially when he’s behind the opposition’s midfield.

“Those all come naturally to him and we’ll work on the other bits and pieces. “We’re going to work with him defensively, how we set up so when he’s not got the ball he knows his roles and responsibilities and to make him accountable for his performances which we do with all our players.

“He’s at an age where he can only get better.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley have been beaten to the signature of Plymouth Argyle captain Curtis Nelson.

The Reds had been chasing the 23-year-old all summer with manager Paul Heckingbottom keen on bolstering his defensive stocks.

The Pilgrims rejected the bid Barnsley tabled for the highly-rated defender.

And Nelson has gone on to pen a two-year deal at newly appointed League One side Oxford United.