Barnsley midfielder Cameron McGeehan is aiming to make his mark on the first team this season following his loan spell with Scunthorpe United.
The 23-year-old joined the Iron in January, and was part of the side that reached the League One play-offs before losing to eventual winners Rotherham United.
“I had first-hand experience last season of a top-end League One team that probably should have been promoted, but didn’t towards the end,” said McGeehan.
“So I’ve seen the league, seen what it’s all about and obviously had the experience of the Championship as well, which is good. So I know what we’re aiming for and I think we can give it a good shot this season.
“I’m really excited for the new season; you never know with a new manager if they’re going to have you, but early signs are good and it can be a case of keeping the squad together and having a right go at the league, and trying to get promoted or win the league, because I think we’ve got a very good squad for the division.”
The new campaign gets underway in just over three weeks, when the Reds welcome Oxford United to Oakwell.
McGeehan, who has represented Northern Ireland at youth level, is hoping to put the last 12 months behind him and reignite his Barnsley career under Head Coach Daniel Stendel.
“I had big expectations myself; I thought I’d go to Barnsley and get straight in the team, score goals and pick up where I left off, but it’s not like that,” continued the Reds midfielder. “I think I understand that now and realise I was a bit over-ambitious maybe.
“I think, given a bit more time or a few more games, a bit more fitness or a bit more time to gather momentum, I think I would have had a better season. But, like I said, it wasn’t to be and you have your different paths and different journeys and I think there’s a reason for everything.
“I have a great experience of League One now and I think I can use that to my advantage this year. We’ve got a really good squad of players and I’m looking forward to getting the games going.
“The new manager here has been great; it’s still early stages but the lads are really enjoying it. It’s a completely different style of play – pressing, intensity all over the pitch – and you’ve probably seen it with Jurgen Klopp, that high press and we’re really enjoying it, we’ve got the young players and the attitude to go and implement that into the matches.
“I think every day we’re getting better at understanding what the gaffer wants and I think it will be very effective in the league.”
