Reds defender Andy Yiadom spoke to the media ahead of the Reds' next match against Birmingham City.
Following a superb start to life in South Yorkshire with Barnsley, Yiadom has now been selected for involvement in the Ghana squad ahead of the 2017 African Cup of Nations, to be held in Gabon during January and February.
Yiadom said, “Yeah it’s very good to be included. I went away with them last time which was a great experience, I was on the bench and didn’t get to play but it was a great experience. There are more games in the African Cup of Nations so fingers crossed I can get some minutes.
“I’m fortunate to be doing ok and playing for Barnsley week in week out, so I am fortunate to get called up. You learn a lot and pick up some things playing with players that have played in the Premier League and in Europe, higher up, so you learn a lot and pick up new things which is really good for your own learning curve. When I’m here talking to Hecky etc, he’s the one helping me in my career and tells me what I need to improve on so it’s thanks to him as well.”
Yiadom was quick to acknowledge the role his teammates have played in his individual progress, as well as the Club’s overall rise as Heckingbottom’s side currently sit in the top half of the EFL Sky Bet Championship table.
“It’s fortunate that I am playing at the moment and it goes to show how good our squad is. Everyone is pushing each other to do well and there is lots of healthy competition in the team as well, which helps one another.
“It’s because we’ve got a good squad that everyone helps each other out. If the back four isn’t doing the greatest, we’ve got players like Conor (Hourihane) and Sam (Winnall) who are knocking in goals. So like I say, the team overall is doing very well and that helps us as individuals as well.”
With the Reds being sat in the top half of the table, performing above many of the public expectations, Yiadom spoke of the mindset within the squad as we enter the second half of the campaign.
“I think we just go into the mentality of trying to catch the teams in front of us and when we do that, we go again, and go again, we don’t want to settle for where we are. Since we are here, we want to push on.
“Myself and the lads were chatting the other day about how everyone has come a long way, they were bottom of League One, not that I was here but you hear the boys talking about it and realise they have done a massive job here. I was at Barnet and to see that happen was phenomenal.”
The Reds defender then spoke of his individual plans going forward.
“I just want to keep improving because there is always loads of room for improvement, and keep playing as many games as possible, to just keep learning.”
Watch Andy Yiadom’s press conference in full on B!arnsley Player HD
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