JOSH Earl was delighted Barnsley ended a 15-game wait for a clean sheet in their cup win over Sheffield United.

The defender had only been involved in one clean sheet since signing in January. Earl told the Chronicle: “I can’t remember the last clean sheet in a Barnsley shirt. It’s something we need to build on and make sure we get a few more in the future.”

Earl is playing in a defensive unit which includes two Americans, Gabriel Slonina and Donovan Pines, Frenchman Mael de Gevigney as well as Barnsley man Marc Roberts. He said: “It’s actually meshed together quite well. In the changing room there’s a good balance and, in the back line, there is experience in Marc Roberts then me and Mael who have played a lot for our age.

“It’s a good mix of personalities and we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“The Americans have big personalities and are very positive which is good for the dressing room. Sometimes we need to turn to that after a defeat to bring everyone together.”

Earl said when he joined the Reds that it had been several years since he played left wing-back and that it would take a ‘big emergency’ for him to play there. But he was used in that position in the win at Lincoln City last week then again on Tuesday, with Earl often tucking into left-back in a back four which leaves Barry Cotter free to go into midfield.

“As long as I am playing, I am really happy. But I do think I am not as effective at left wing-back.

“I enjoy it and where I play doesn’t really bother me.

“The balance works well because Barry is more aggressive and attacking whereas I focus more on defence.

“Especially having Mael on the right two can go further wide, it works well.”