Cauley Woodrow is eager to get more minutes under his belt after tasting first team action with Barnsley for the first time.
The Reds’ striker made his debut in the 1-0 win over Southend United at the weekend, coming on as a second half substitute to replace Mamadou Thiam. He followed this up with a start against Everton U21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night and is now raring to kick-start his Oakwell career.
“It was a good feeling to pull on the Barnsley shirt – I’ve had to wait two months to do that,” said Woodrow. “I’ve had to be patient, but I got to come on at the weekend for 20 minutes and played 45 minutes on Tuesday night.
“The cups have come around at a good time for me – much like with the other lads who have been injured and not played as much. It’s a good opportunity to get minutes and they’re just as competitive as league games, the only difference is you’re not playing for points. It’s a good opportunity for me to regain my fitness.”
Barnsley’s attacking quartet of Kieffer Moore, Victor Adeboyejo, Jacob Brown and Thiam have all excelled this season, plundering 17 goals between them in all competitions.
Woodrow’s return to fitness will no doubt add an extra dimension to the Reds’ frontline, with Daniel Stendel set to have options aplenty over the course of the campaign.
“There’s lads who have done really well so far this season and hopefully I can fit in and either provide or score goals,” continued the 23-year-old. “If I can do that, then I’ll be delighted.
“Kieffer has scored lots of goals this season and in previous seasons, too. He’s a handful – a big lad – and that will probably work well for me because we’ll be able to work off one another.”
Up next for Barnsley is Notts County in the FA Cup first round this weekend – the fourth of five consecutive home games for Stendel’s side.
The Magpies are struggling for form in Sky Bet League Two and are winless in their last five, but this special competition is famous for producing surprises.
And Woodrow has fond FA Cup memories from his time with Fulham as he scored a brace against Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2015.
“I’ve got some good memories of the FA Cup,” insisted the Reds’ forward. “We played Wolves about three years ago and it absolutely hammered it down with snow; we couldn’t even see the ball.
“We beat them on penalties in the end – I scored a couple of goals in that game. Everyone looks forward to playing in the FA Cup; it’s a special competition and anything can happen.”
You can watch Cauley's full press conference on iFollow Barnsley.
