Barnsley: Jason McCarthy looking forward to reunion with former clubs in League One

Jason McCarthy tries to find a way through the Derby defence, Barnsley v Derby County, Barnsley, United Kingdom, 9 December 2017. Photo by Glenn Ashley.

Whilst at Premier League side Southampton the player spent time on loan at both clubs to get vital first-team football under his belt.

The Reds were relegated back to League One last term and McCarthy was eager to find out when he would be taking on the sides he previously played for when the fixtures were released yesterday.

New boss Daniel Stendel’s first taste of English football is a home game at Oakwell against Oxford United on August 4.

The Reds have happy memories of facing the U’s, after beating them at Wembley to famously win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Barnsley head to Wycombe on December 8 and go to Walsall on March 23.

Former Southampton defender McCarthy said: “Looking at the fixtures, I had some good times at Walsall and Wycombe so I’m looking forward to going back there.

“I’m really looking forward to those two away games. They will be great, I’m expecting to get a good reception because both seasons were great and I had a really good rapport with the fans.

“It’s always exciting when the fixtures first come out, it brings the upcoming season to the forefront of your mind. I’m looking forward to getting going again.”

The last time McCarthy plied his trade in League One, he scored five goals for Walsall.

And he wants to add goals to his game again after returning to the division following to break his duck for the Reds after a dry debut season.

McCarthy revealed: “I want to get goals again, the last time I was in League One I scored five goals.

“Everyone knows I’m quite an attacking full-back so I like to get forward and score goals.”

Stendel’s charges will face Yorkshire rivals Bradford City in their opening away fixture and will host the Bantams on January 12.

Barnsley’s first encounter against rivals Doncaster Rovers comes on November 24 at home with the return trip on March 16.

During the festive period, the Reds host Peterborough on Boxing Day before a long trip down south to take on Luton Town on New Year’s Day.