JOE GAUCI has been called Barnsley’s new first choice goalkeeper by his head coach but the Australian international says he will need to earn that spot.
The 24-year-old has joined from Premier League Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.
It is understood to be a straight loan with no buy option.
Head coach Darrell Clarke said that Gauci will be first choice, despite Ben Killip generally impressing in recent months. Gauci told the Chronicle: “I don’t want anything given to me. I have to come here and prove myself.
“It’s up to both of us to put our best foot forward. People say battle it out but it’s not as stressful and intense as that. It’s just two goalkeepers, working hard and trying to show themselves.”
So far Barnsley have kept just four clean sheets in 28 league games this season, the third fewest in the division.
Gauci said: “Clean sheets are always nice but points are what counts.
“I am hoping we can keep a few clean sheets but I want to win as many games as possible and get this team up into the play-offs.”
Gauci is looking forward to adapting to the physical nature of League One.
“I like trying to deal with balls into the box and I try to be proactive.
“It is physical but I am looking forward to it. It’s the right time in my career to make this step and challenge myself.”
Gauci, who has seven caps for the Socceroos, played in the A League for Adelaide United before joining Villa a year ago. He has been on the bench regularly in the Premier League and Champions League but his only Villa appearances have been two League Cup ties this season.
Clarke said: “Ben has done OK, he made some good saves the other night.
“My gut tells me getting someone in like Joe will push us further forward and kick us on in that department.
“When I met and spoke to him, he ticked a lot of boxes.
“He has a good size and presence, he’s good at catching and sweeping up.
“We brought in Gaga (Slonina, from Chelsea) which didn’t quite work as well as we wanted.
“Ben is a model pro but that doesn’t stop us wanting to improve.”
