Barnsley U23s are back in action on Tuesday when they entertain Sheffield Wednesday in the South Yorkshire derby.
The young Reds are looking to bounce back from a heavy 3-0 defeat against Hull City in their last outing when the Owls visit the Oakwell Training Ground.
Ali Omar, who joined Barnsley last month, says he and his teammates want a reaction from the Tigers’ loss, admitting it was an unsatisfactory performance.
“Since the start of last week, we’ve been preparing for the game on Tuesday,” said Omar. “We’re all buzzing and trying to right our wrongs from the last game and we’re trying to get back to winning ways.
“It was so disappointing in many ways because the goals that we conceded were from our mistakes and they were preventable, so it’s very disappointing to lose in a way where we could have prevented things from happening.
“It was frustrating for me because I got sent off at Birmingham away and, coming back into the team, I wanted to make a statement. So, for me, it kind of put me down, but, since I’ve come back, I’ve been buzzing and can’t wait to rectify my mistakes from the last game.
“The boys are so up for it, mentally ready and we just need to go out there and put in a good performance.”
Omar has settled in well at the club, having arrived after impressing during a trial period with Martin Devaney’s side.
The towering centre-back has a boisterous personality and has slotted seamlessly into the tight-knit atmosphere that our U23s have created this campaign.
“Words cannot describe how I feel being at this club; I love this place so much,” continued the 20-year-old. “I feel like I’m at home and need to keep my head down, keep working hard, doing my extra work and work on things I’m not good at to improve and take me to the next level.
“They’re top boys. Even though I’ve only been here for a short time, the relationship that I’ve built with some of the lads makes me feel like I’ve been here for a long time. They’ve made me feel so welcome – even moving into digs with three of the other lads; they’ve made me feel at home and helped me in so many ways. Even at times when I miss my family, because it’s a different experience for me, they act like my brothers.”
You can see how our young Reds fare by attending the South Yorkshire derby for FREE at the Oakwell Training Ground, kick-off at 2pm.
Alternatively, you can follow updates on our official Academy Twitter account: @AcademyBFC.
Any supporters wishing to attend this game are politely reminded not to park on Grove Street, but to park in the CK Beckett South Stand car park.
