Adam Jackson spoke to the assembled media at Oakwell today..
Having signed for the Reds in the summer, the imposing centre-half has had to be patient in his wait for a place in Paul Heckingbottom’s side, but the Darlington-born defender couldn’t have picked a better opponent to make his debut against.
“There was a bit of nerves if I’m honest” he admitted. “But I was buzzing for it as well. I’m from up Newcastle way so it was extra special really. I’ve always had that bit of rivalry with them so it was brilliant to come up against them, they brought loads of fans down and our fans practically sold out the place as well so it was fantastic. I’m pleased to have played but obviously gutted about the result.
“It’s been a while for me to wait for my debut but I loved every minute of it, and to do it against them and to do it at home it was just really good, and so I hope I’ve done enough to be in again at the weekend but the Gaffer decides that obviously, so I’ll just see what happens.”
‘Jacko’ feels that it’s good to have competition for places in the squad and he’s settled in nicely in Barnsley saying the lads and the staff have made it an easy move for him so far.
He said: “I think I’m fitting in well. They’re a good set of lads and have helped me to settle in really quick. I got sorted with a place here really quickly which helps. The training’s been bright and sharp too, it’s been great, I’m really enjoying it.
“There’s healthy competition in the squad. You’re fighting against each other for a place but supporting each other too. That’s what it’s about. Once there you need to keep your spot. Playing week in, week out at this level can only benefit you as a player really.”
The former Middlesbrough man felt he played well on Tuesday night and admits that developing partnerships will take time and that he was impressed by his fellow defenders on the night who encouraged him throughout.
“It’s not just the back two, it’s the back four, and then the midfield, the whole team really. Partnership’s need developing with everybody. Robbo was really good with me the other night, talking me through the game, before the game, at half-time, just keeping me going and organized so that was brilliant.
“It’s a young squad but Robbo was really good in that respect, encouraging me. So was Yids (Andy Yiadom) too. They were both helping me through the game so that was good.”
It’s a trip to Brentford this weekend and Adam believes that if the Reds can get the rub of the green as well as being less careless in key moments, the performance levels have shown that they’re capable of going to Griffin Park and getting a positive result.
He told us: “I think the performances have been decent, we’re just lacking that rub of the green at times. I think we did okay Tuesday, we went toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in the league and we could have sneaked it on another day. It’s the little mistakes that are costing us.
“If we can sort those out then I’m sure results will follow. Brentford have had a good start to the season themselves so we know we’re in for another tough game. If the Gaffer picks me then I hope I can do well and show people more of what I’m about and help us to a victory.”
You can see the full interview with Adam Jackson over on Barnsley Player HD.
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