BEN KILLIP says his long wait for regular football at Barnsley has been worth it as he is now the starting goalkeeper for a team hoping to compete for promotion from League One.
The 29-year-old started the Reds’ last nine games in the league and FA Cup, having previously been back-up since signing at the start of last season after leaving Hartlepool who had been relegated out of League Two.
Killip initially replaced American loanee Gaga Slonina who was dropped following some errors then sustained a finger injury which has kept him out for more than a month.
Killip told the Chronicle: “When I came to Barnsley I knew the situation, that I wouldn’t go straight into the team and that I would have to bide my time.
“I had played a lot of football for my age at that point so I thought it wouldn’t be too damaging.
“The reward of waiting to be in the position I am in now was worth taking the risk for.
“This is what I came to Barnsley to do – to play week in, week out for a team that is pushing for promotion from League One.
“It’s a big step up from League Two.
“I noticed when I first came in, the quality of the players we have, and the grounds and the stadiums we go to – Reading, Wigan and Birmingham who have all been in the Premier League.”
Killip – who is out of contract at the end of the season – started the first league game of the season under head coach Darrell Clarke but was then replaced by new singing Slonina.
On Clarke, Killip said: “He’s been good. He’s been honest since the start which I appreciate.
“After the Mansfield game, he told me he was going to go with Gaga which I didn’t agree with because I wanted to play.
“But I respected his honesty and his decision, and I am grateful that now he has given me the opportunity to get back into the team.”
Like Killip, defenders Conor McCarthy and Donovan Pines have had to be patient but could now play due to injuries to Josh Earl and Marc Roberts.
“Anyone who hasn’t been in the squad has been getting their head down.
“Similar to me, it’s a great opportunity to play at a big club.
“Those two have both been training hard and will be ready come the weekend or whenever it may be.”
