KELECHI Nwakali says he is not focused on whether he is starting or not for Barnsley, just on bringing something different to the midfield and trying to win promotion.

The Nigerian international has been in and out of Darrell Clarke’s side since signing last summer and taking several months to break into the matchday squad. He has so far started four league games but generally impressed with his passing ability.

Nwakali told the Chronicle: “For me, it’s not a matter or starting or not.

“It’s a matter of the team doing very well. Yes, every player wants to start and every player wants to play but, at the same time, you just hope the team is winning.

“It’s not individual, it’s collective.

“Starting is not the problem for me, trying to bring a different quality to the team is what matters for me.

“We’ve got good players in that position so it’s a hard decision for the gaffer to make. I am always ready to start or come on and give my best for the team.”

Nwakali has experienced promotion to the Spanish top flight with Huesca, behind closed doors in 2020, and now wants to do so this season with Barnsley in League One.

“The most important thing is to finish in the play-offs. I was promoted in Spain from the second division to the first division. It was a great feeling and I want to feel that here as well.

“That’s the goal. We want to get into the play-offs and hopefully we will be able to win it.”