21-year-old midfielder Romal Palmer made a fine start to life in the first team, helping the Reds to victory - here's what he told us post-match.
Having been at Oakwell for some five years, and occasional trips with the first team and even an appearance on the bench at Bristol City this season, Romal Palmer has finally achieved his goal of making that initial breakthrough.
The youngster has had to be a lot more patient than his good friends and teammates from his U23s days, such as Jack Walton, Ben Williams, Jacob Brown and Elliot Simoes who all made their debuts much sooner.
All five of those players were in the victorious Reds XI on Saturday, and Palmer was understandably delighted to at last make his Barnsley bow.
“Honestly, words can’t describe how I’m feeling." Romal told us, smiling.
“It’s been a long time coming. There have been ups and downs along the way, but to finally make my debut and to win as well, it’s incredible.”
At a club renowned for giving youth a chance, Palmer admits that there have been doubts that he'd make the grade over the last few years.
But working hard has finally paid off, and he's quick to thank the club for remaining faithful and backing him recently with a new two-year-deal.
“There have been times in the past where I’ve thought it would never come, and I’m getting older now, I’m 21. But I’ve stuck at it, the club have supported me so much and so to be out here today, it’s incredible and I’m so proud.”
On the match in London, 'Mally' was just as pleased with the three points.
He believes the Reds will only grow from here as they attempt the greatest of escapes.
“It’s a massive result. We had been talking about it all week, how vital it was to start well. To get the first win straight away, to get us going, get us on a little roll, and the lads seemed right on it.
“The confidence we’ve got will help. It’s all about momentum in football and I think we are all itching to get back out there, get to the next game and get us another positive result.”
