Our Head Coach gave his thoughts to iFollow Barnsley after a 2-0 win at Oakwell against Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy.
The Scot made wholesale changes to the starting eleven from our league game against Cheltenham Town on Saturday, handing out debuts to a number of our new signings.
Despite the rotation within the squad, Collins felt his side delivered a pleasing performance and gained a good result at the end of it.
"I was really pleased to be able to give the opportunity to a lot of players that deserved it," began the 40-year-old. "First team players coming back from injury, Conor McCarthy, some new signings and some young players, so all in all, it was a good result. Lots of individual positives. We're very happy."
One of those new recruits who featured on Tuesday night was deadline day acquisition Owen Dodgson. The 20-year-old started at left wing-back and played ninety minutes on his Reds debut, even chipping in with a goal to open the scoring with a sweeping finish inside the area.
Collins was particularly impressed with the Burnley loanee and our new additions considering the amount of time they have had to get their feet under the table at Oakwell so far.
"Owen showed some great attributes," praised the boss. "His athleticism, his willingness, his attitude, and getting the goal was just a nice way to cap it off for him. We're delighted to have him.
"Again, you consider him, Sam Cosgrove—they've only trained one day with the team. So that's maybe part of the reason for the disjointed nature of things, but really pleased for Owen and really pleased to have him here."
Catch the full thoughts of our Head Coach over on iFollow Barnsley!
Next up at Oakwell we take on Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One on Saturday 16 September, kicking off at 3pm.
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