Reds forward Adam Armstrong addressed the media for the first time following his move to Oakwell!
Recent Barnsley signing Adam Armstrong acknowledges he will have to fight hard to secure a place in the Reds starting 11.
The 19-year-old has joined the Reds until January from Championship rivals side Newcastle United, having spent last season on-loan with Coventry City.
Armstrong scored 20 goals with the Sky Blues in 40 appearances last season but with Sam Winnall, Marley Watkins and Tom Bradshaw for competition, Adam has said he knows there will be competition for places!
Nevertheless, he feels moving to South Yorkshire is the best move for him at this stage in his career and outlined why he chose the Reds.
He said, “At the start of the season I had a chat with Rafa Benitez and he said his plans for me were to go out in the Championship and get more minutes than I would with Newcastle.
“I chose Barnsley and I think it’s the right club and they’re heading in the right direction.
“I saw them in League One a lot last season and the story they produced was amazing, given where they were at Christmas.
“I’ve watched them a few times this season and they’re really positive and like to get forward as much as they can and that’s a large part of my game.
“Coming here, I knew I was never going to walk straight into the side, Barnsley beat Rotherham 4-0 before the international break and it’s about working hard in training to get in the Gaffer’s eye and then into the team.”
Armstrong completed his switch to Oakwell on deadline day whilst on international duty with England Under 20s.
He admitted the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind but is looking forward to getting going with his new teammates, at what he says is one of the biggest stages of his career.
“It’s been a hectic couple of weeks, I’ve been away with England Under 20s in the last couple of weeks but I knew going on loan and I had to sort that while I was away with England.
“I met with the Gaffer at St George’s Park and he had brilliant words to say about me and it was a no brainer to come to Barnsley.
“He said he liked what he’d seen and I played against them twice last season for Coventry, it was all positive and all good words so I’m raring to go this season.
“It’s a massive stage in my career, last year in League One was hard, we had ups and downs but I think I coped with it quite well.
“The Championship is the next step and hopefully this will be a good season for us,” he added.
Armstrong appreciates that competition for places in the side is fierce, with everyone starting the season strongly.
He added that he is ready to go this weekend if required and hopes he will be able to take his chance.
“I knew coming here that all the strikers had scored 20 goals in League One which is massive for us, that’s what you want in the team.
“I know from being at Newcastle I’ve had to be on the bench quite a lot and if I come on I have to take my chances and it’s the same for all the lads.
“It’s a bit weird being on loan at a club that’s in the same division as you but I have to get on with it and I cannot wait to get started.
“If I’m needed this weekend, I’m fit and ready to go.
“I’m here until January and I’ll give my everything to Barnsley during that period and hopefully I can score a few goals and keep them near the top of the table.”
Having spoken to both Rafa Benitez and Heckingbottom, Armstrong feels he clearly understands what is required from him this season.
He feels the positivity around Oakwell will allow him to express himself on the pitch and that he has a clear understanding of what is required from him at Barnsley.
“Both Paul and Rafa are very positive in what they do, they know what they want from the side and that’s massive, you need to know what the gaffer wants from you.
“Both of them put their points across very well and I’m looking forward to working with both of them this season.
“It’s all positive around here, all the lads are happy and everyone is getting on well together and I think that’s the way forward."
To view Adam's press conference in full, click here.
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