Barnsley: Ike Ugbo's delight at first Championship goal for Reds

Chelsea loanee Ike Ugbo is brimming with confidence after netting his first Championship goal for Barnsley.
Ike Ugbo in action against Sunderland.  Picture by Frank ReidIke Ugbo in action against Sunderland.  Picture by Frank Reid
Ike Ugbo in action against Sunderland. Picture by Frank Reid

After a somewhat shock inclusion, Ugbo opened the scoring as brilliant Barnsley put three past an out-of-sorts Sunderland on Saturday.

Ugbo looked like a real diamond in the rough in pre-season and he was thrilled to get off the mark.

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The teenager said: “I’m proud to get my first goal. They all count.“It’s nice to get that first goal out of the way and build on that one. The first one gives you confidence going into the next games.

“It’s not as easy to score in the Championship so I’m delighted and hopefully there are more to come.”

Harvey Barnes was another surprise pick as the in-form Ryan Hedges had to make do with a place on the bench.

But Barnes, also a teenager, provided the cross for Ugbo’s opener - before getting on the scoresheet himself.

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And Ugbo praised his team-mate’s contribution after he also opened his Reds’ account on Saturday.

The Chelsea man added: “Harvey did well to get his goal and also to support me and give me that cross.

“It was a great feeling to win on Saturday, especially in front of the home fans. Getting a 3-0 win over a top club like Sunderland, who have come down from the Premiership, will give us a lot of confidence.”

Barnsley are not out of the woods in terms of keeping Andy Yiadom, pictured, yet.

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The right-back’s prospective move to Huddersfield Town fell through due to a medical issue after the Reds accepted their third offer.

But Swansea City - who had a bid rebuffed earlier this summer - could try again for the Ghanaian international.

The Premier League side’s first choice is PSV’s Santiago Arias, but if they fail to capture him then Yiadom is next on the radar.

Meanwhile, head coach Paul Heckingbottom was keen to land Gary Gardner from Aston Villa to add some experience to the side.

But a deal, even a loan, looks to be out of the Reds’ price range.