DONOVAN Pines says he will ‘take it slow’ as he returns from injury but was delighted to be make a goal-scoring return to the Barnsley team this week.
The 26-year-old USA international centre-back played 57 minutes in the EFL Cup at Wigan on Tuesday, more than five months on from sustaining the thigh injury which required surgery just weeks after signing for the Reds mid-season.
Pines said it was ‘a blessing’ to be back but told the Chronicle: “I don’t want to force anything. I want to take it slow because it’s a long season.
“The club are doing a good job of managing me. I want to be at my full best to showcase my ability.”
Pines had not played for five months before making his Reds debut. Having been mainly used to playing only on weekends for DC United in the MLS, he sustained his injury in a second match in four days.
“The past is in the past. I am just looking forward to this season.
“These things happen. I am focusing on doing the right things with nutrition and strength and conditioning to put myself in the best place.
“I am getting used to the schedule here. I am being very smart with how I am feeling and being honest with myself and my body.”
Pines netted the equaliser in the cup game, meaning he has scored three goals in his last three starts – having only made four starts and one substitute appearance for the club in total.
Only Sam Cosgrove and Adam Phillips have more goals for the club in 2024 of the current Barnsley players.
“We have a lot of tall players and it’s really exciting to have a lot of versatility of threats. If we really understand each other hopefully we can score multiple goals this season.”
Pines had to watch from the sidelines as Barnsley lost in the play-offs after a poor end to the league season. He now wants to help them to promotion.
“I was gutted but I wanted to stay positive for a great group of guys who had supported me. They did a great job but it was just really tough to see them fall against Bolton.
“Hopefully we can go further this year and get promotion which would be a beautiful thing.”
