Kevin Long spoke to the press this morning after extending his loan spell at Oakwell until January 20th, 2016.
Long had a debut to remember with a last minute winner away at Oldham, but in his next match against Peterborough the commanding central-defender was dismissed in this closing stages and picked up a three-game ban.
“I think the whole idea of coming on loan was to play games.” Explained Long. “In my second game I got sent off, so I want a run of five to six games and hopefully my performances will step up. I’m here until January 20th, then we’ll see what happens after that.
“I’m looking forward to it. The idea is to get some proper minutes into me and do well. It’s been frustrating because sometimes with three-game ban it can be over in a week with Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday but it’s been three Saturday’s so it’s been tough.
“It’s been hard doing the training and not being able to play, I just did that for 10 months! Every player wants to play games that’s why we play football. Thankfully I’m back now and I can play some games.”
Long was asked about his time at Barnsley so far, and how he has taken on the role of being one of the more senior and experienced members of the squad, despite still being only Twenty-five.
“I have been getting on really well with the other lads which is good.” Said Long. “There is a really young squad here. We work as a team offensively and defensively so hopefully it comes together and we start winning games.
“I think the performances have been there, just not for the whole match which is our problem. If we can get more consistent we’ll do well. It’s just about staying switched on, there’s a lot of quality in this squad.
“I think when I came in my first two games were based on adrenaline rather than fitness. The suspension set me back a bit, I wasn’t at my best against Wigan but the next few games I can show the fans what I’m all about.”
