Barnsley FC boss thrown his own team a 'curve ball' says Ryan Hedges

Ryan Hedges says Barnsley coach Daniel Stendel is keeping him and the squad on their toes after the winger started Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy tie against Everton U21s at full-back.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2018, 10:34 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2018, 10:39 BST
Ryan Hedges celebrates his opening goal in the Barnsley v Everton U21 Checkatrade Trophy game. Pic Bruce RollinsonRyan Hedges celebrates his opening goal in the Barnsley v Everton U21 Checkatrade Trophy game. Pic Bruce Rollinson
Ryan Hedges celebrates his opening goal in the Barnsley v Everton U21 Checkatrade Trophy game. Pic Bruce Rollinson

The 23-year-old scored the opening goal as the Tykes drew 1-1 with Everton's youngsters before triumphing 4-2 on penalties, putting them on the brink of qualification from Group F. Hedges insists he was happy to simply be on the pitch after a frustrating summer of injury hampered his preparation for the new season. 'It's not my preferred position (left-back)," said Hedges. "But as long as I'm on the pitch and showing what I can do, I can do a job anywhere. It's pretty new to me. I feel like every day I'm learning. Whether I'm playing at left-back or further up, I just want to influence the game and it showed that I can do by getting a goal.

'He (Stendel) does throw a curve ball every now and again but the lads have done well. It showed how we can play in different positions and still get results. You can see how enthusiastic he is. I think that's rubbing off on all the boys. We just want to do well for the squad, team and fans.' Barnsley face Bradford next Tuesday at Oakwell where a draw will see them progress to the next round of the competition they won in 2016.

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'No player will turn down a trip to Wembley,' added Hedges. 'We're in the competition to win the trophy and it'd be good for the club and fans to have another Wembley trip.It's obviously always nice to get a win to try and help us progress in this competition. There were a lot of players needing game-time, myself included. It was good to get a run-out and get minutes back into the legs. It's always nice to get a goal to contribute to the win. Hopefully, there's more to come.'

It was only the Welshman's second start of the season having been used mostly from the bench, with the former Swansea youngster now targeting a run in the side.

'Being a footballer, you want to play football and that's been the most frustrating part,' he continued. 

'I feel I haven't played as much as I have wanted. Hopefully I can kick on and prove that I should be starting. 'Being out injured, watching the lads start the way they did, it was nice to see us win games and doing well but now I feel I can contribute a lot more than I have been doing in the games coming up.

"I can only show the manager what I can do and games like today show what I can bring to the side.'

Related topics:Daniel StendelBarnsley FCOakwellWembleyBradford