MAEL de Gevigney was delighted to make his 50th appearance for Barnsley this week and play a part in what proved to be the winning goal.

The French centre-back signed a year ago from Nimes and, after being in and out of the side early on, has started the Reds’ last 41 league matches.

On his milestone, de Gevigney told the Chronicle: “It was a great feeling.

“I wasn’t aware before the game but I saw it after.

“It shows how many games we play in England. In France it is impossible to play 50 games in less than one year. It’s a good thing.

“I have learned how to play in England in these 50 games and to get more ready physically and mentally.

“I had many things to learn about the way to defend in England. Being stronger in the duels was probably the biggest change. Now I feel a bit better.

“It’s a different style of play but I get more used to it every day.”

De Gevigney took a free-kick on the right wing early in the second half at Lincoln City on Saturday, passing it down the line to Barry Cotter who crossed for Marc Roberts to head home.

It was a routine they had worked on on the training pitch, with coaches Conor Hourihane and Jon Stead particularly focusing on attacking set pieces.

De Gevigney said: “We work a lot on set pieces because it’s really important in League One and last season we didn’t score enough.

“We have scored two already which is good and we need to do it again.

“The staff are helping us. They are working on specific areas. It is making an impact. You can feel it.

“When you have a question, you know who to ask and he has the answer. It is better.”