Barnsley starlet Ben Williams is determined to shine

Ben Williams is the latest youngster to be given his chance in the Barnsley first team and he is determined to make it count.
Ben WilliamsBen Williams
Ben Williams

The 19-year-old made his first league start for the club at Peterborough last weekend after left-backs Dani Pinillos and Zeki Fryers were injured and put in an assured display as the Reds romped to an impressive 4-0 win at their promotion rivals.

Williams' promotion to the first team is further evidence that new boss Daniel Stendel is willing to put his faith in the youth as Jacob Brown and Victor Adeboyejo have made an impact this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jared Bird has also been given a chance in the Reds' Checkatrade Trophy clash at Oldham '“ the match where Williams made his senior debut.

And seeing Brown and Adeboyejo perform in League One has put fire in the belly of the young Welshman.

'The gaffer has been really good this season with giving the younger players a chance," he said.

'Seeing the likes of Jacob and Victor being given a chance has motivated me even more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'Hopefully I can kick on from last week and if the gaffer calls on me again I'll be ready.

'I can't just sit back and think about this performance, I have to keep going and that starts with Luton on Saturday.'

Brown has perhaps been the biggest success story, having scored in his last two appearances, including the rout at Posh.

He came off the bench to influence the game in the come-from-behind draw at Scunthorpe in August while he has also shown great mental strength to bounce back from a disappointing display at Coventry, where he spurned several chances to score in what is Barnsley's only league loss to date.

And Stendel has been suitably impressed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'In pre-season he was a positive player in training and friendly games, but twice he was injured for a long time,' the head coach said.

'But he has a very good mentality and attitude, I like it. Same in training as the games.

'He is a young player from the academy and we are happy we can develop him.'

The Reds host Luton on Saturday in a televised League One clash, kicking off at 12.30pm.

Tickets are priced are £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £1 for children if bought on Friday. Â