Barnsley: Reds intend to hold George Moncur talks

The 23-year-old only joined the club at the start of the transfer window before going out on loan to Peterborough - who were chasing his signature before the Reds snapped him up.

He started life at London Road with a brace on his first start for the club.

But things have gone downhill with Moncur starting in just four of Posh’s 12 league games since then.

“He would have got his chance here,” insisted Heckingbottom. “Earlier on in the season we had a spell where we only had one senior centre midfielder.

“Young Josh Kay came in and did great but we wouldn’t have been in that situation if we had George here.

“Same as maybe we wouldn’t have put Sam Morsy into the team, George would have had ample opportunity here.

“He could have been a regular for us and it’s not panned out that way for him at Peterborough either.”

Heckingbottom stated at the time that he would have preferred the player to stay at Oakwell and fight for his place.

The 39-year-old stands by his assessment but respects Moncur’s decision to try and get regular football under his belt.

He added: “From my point of view as the coach I want the players here fighting for a place.

“But I can understand his take on it - he wanted to be out playing football.

“That’s fine and it’s great because I remember feeling like that when I played.

“It’s not that easy and you’re never guaranteed a place at any football club, you’ve always got to fight for a place.”

The Reds can recall Moncur back to the club in January and Heckingbottom will discuss the prospect with him.

“It’ll be a decision between myself, the club and George,” stated Heckingbottom.

“He’s our player so we’ve got to make sure he’s got the best possible chance to succeed whether that’s here or somewhere else.”