Barnsley Given Huge Lift Ahead Of Season Run-In
Barnsley are set to be given a boost for their season run-in after defender Robbie Cundy came through another under-21 fixture unscathed.
The 26-year-old had been on the sidelines since last April after suffering with glute and hip issues but has been edging closer to a return in recent weeks. However, recent outings for the under-21 team have been positive and it now appears as if he is available to return to the squad.
The Tykes are chasing a second successive League One play-off spot after coming agonisingly close to an immediate return to the Championship last season. After finishing fourth, they dispatched of Bolton Wanderers in the semi-final before losing deep into extra time in the final against Sheffield Wednesday.
Manager Neill Collins is hoping to go one better this season, and a place in the top six looks almost assured. The Yorkshire outfit currently sit fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Peterborough United. More importantly though, they are 10 points above Lincoln City in seventh with eight games remaining.
Although not expected to achieve a regular first team spot, Cundy will bolster Collins’ squad options as we reach the business end of the season. Speaking after his latest outing for the under-21s against Coventry City, the former Bristol City man told the official club website:
“I feel good; I enjoyed that one. It’s the longest I’ve played so far – I’ve done 45, 60 and now 80 I reckon, all in.
“It’s good to be back, I’m really enjoying it and hopefully I can take it that bit further and get some first team games.”
Continuing, the defender revealed his ambitions to break back into the manager’s plans:
“When you’re fit, you don’t realise how good you’ve got it because injuries aren’t enjoyable at all, you know, watching every week from the stands isn’t good – you want to be down there helping the team.
“But I got through it in the end – there’s light at the end of the tunnel now, so I’ll keep pushing and see what happens.
“I’ve played three under 21s games now. There’s not many games left of the season, but I’m hoping I can get my opportunity because the gaffer hasn’t even seen me.
“But I’m back now and it’s in the manager’s hands now, but I’m hoping he can see what I can bring to the team and I can get a few games.
“That’s the main thing really for us, the promotion push. We’re in a good position at the moment and I’m looking forward to just getting back in the matchday squad and getting the excitement for the games coming up.
“So, I’m really excited and hopefully I can do that.”
Barnsley are next back in action when they welcome Cambridge United to Oakwell next Friday.
Writer’s View
It’s always good to see a player return from such a lengthy injury lay-off. Cundy will be hoping that he can show that he can still cut it on the pitch at a professional level. His recent outings are a cause for encouragement though.
Barnsley are likely to secure their play-off place with a handful of games remaining of the League One season, whilst the chances of breaking into the top two are slim. This would be a good opportunity for Collins to rotate his squad and allow the 26-year-old to get back on the pitch with the first team.
