KELECHI Nwakali ‘needs to get better in all aspects’ to get into Darrell Clarke’s Barnsley team this season.

The Nigeria international midfielder signed a three-year contract this summer after signing for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese club Chaves.

But, after not having a full pre-season, he is yet to make his debut – being an unused substitute twice before missing out on the last three squads.

Clarke said: “Kelechi is a mile off, a little bit off. He needs to do what I’ve told him to do. He needs to get fitter, more high-speed distance running.

“He needs to get better in all aspects.

“But he’s adapting to the English game again. We will keep working with him. Midfield is a strong area of the pitch. Everyone will play a part.

“But they all need to be at it every single day.”

Meanwhile, left wing-back Georgie Gent has not played for almost a month.

The 20-year-old, who signed on a three-year deal from Blackburn in the summer, has started four games but has been taken off by half-time in both his league starts so far.

Clarke said: “Georgie is a young lad for the future. It’s been a tough start. I have sat down with him.

“He’s going to be a talent. He played really well for the under 21s this week. All players need to be at it in training and every game then they will get an opportunity.

“You can only pick 11 players.

“I have faith in all members of the squad but some players need to get up to level. Georgie will find his feet, there is no doubt about that.”