HEAD coach Neill Collins has conceded he has no real say on whether Barnsley’s loanees stay at the club past the January transfer window.
The Reds currently have four players in on loan – Liam Roberts, Jamie McCart, Owen Dodgson and John McAtee, all of whom have had an impact this season.
Defender McCart, who has been a regular starter, is on loan from Rotherham United who have several centre-backs out injured.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick – ‘keeper Roberts’ parent club – admitted last week that they could recall one of their three on-loan goalies in January due to an upcoming crisis.
Their first-choice ‘keeper Seny Dieng is likely to be with Senegal in the African Cup of Nations, whilst second-choice Tom Glover is expected to be called up to Australia for the Asia Cup in Qatar.
Roberts is one of the three ‘Boro loanees alongside Sol Brynn at Leyton Orient and Zach Hemming with St Mirren. Collins told the Chronicle there are currently no talks with ‘Boro about him potentially being recalled – but said the club have been in regular contact with him regarding his current injury.
He said: “There’s no talks at the moment. We’re looking at trying to get Liam back fit and back in the group.
“Jamie’s obviously been excellent so we’re wanting to keep him for as long as we can.
“I don’t think Liam is too far away – he’s day by day now.
“When he can start to do things with his hands then he’ll be passed fit.
“We’re just waiting for clearance.
“We’re working closely with Middlesbrough because he’s their player and they’re a big part of his return to play.”
Collins admits players being recalled is part and parcel of the game – but said the quartet are all happy and playing well at Oakwell.
“It’s the one thing you have to accept with loan players.
“It gives us the option as well if it’s not worked out, and it’s the same with the parent club.
“I think we’re in a pretty good place.
“All the players are happy at Barnsley and they’re doing well.”
There are currently nine players out of contract in the summer – including first-teamers Herbie Kane, Jordan Williams, Devante Cole and Nicky Cadden. Robbie Cundy and Ben Killip are also set to see their contracts expire.
It’s thought that Barnsley want to hold onto the players but concede that it will be difficult should they remain in League One this season.
The Reds have previously sold their star players in the January window – most notably when Conor Hourihane, James Bree and Sam Winnall all left Oakwell in 2017.
But Collins said they’re not focusing on losing players – and the club are always looking to improve on the squad they currently have.
He added: “I always want to improve and the club are always looking at how they can improve the team.
“I’m not thinking about it too much as there’s too much time between now and then.
“We have discussions about what do we think we might need to improve.But right now the improvement needs to come from inside the building.”
