Barnsley bring Hammill and Colace back to Oakwell

The 27-year-old former Barnsley winger was hugely popular with Tykes fans before a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2011.

But he is a free agent after recently being released by Huddersfield Town and the former Liverpool youngster will train with Lee Johnson's squad today and tomorrow.

Johnson is desperate for new additions, as he competes with a crippling injury list which has decimated his midfield. That has co-incided with a seven-match losing streak ahead of Saturday's FA Cup trip to Altrincham.

Another former Barnsley player, Hugo Colace, will also join training tomorrow as the 31-year-old looks to impress Johnson.

The Argentine midfielder played over 100 games for the Reds between 2008-11.

Barnsley are looking at free signings, because they already have their full quote of five loan players on the books at Oakwell.

"We are trying, but it’s a very difficult time," said Johnson. "We have our full quota of loans, so any loan we bring in, one has to move out or be removed from the squad.

"There’s very little out-of-contract players with real quality, and those players that are out of contract and have quality, have either got better options or are not fit. In that case it takes you six weeks to get them 90-minute match fit.

"It boils down to being unfortunate, not only with our injuries, but the (injuries) haven’t been the loans they have been our contracted players.

"We have got a couple coming in. Adam Hammill is coming in today, which is a good one. He is keen and we will have a look at him and see how he is, both physically and mentally.

"It’s a case of seeing whether he likes us, and we like him. He has got a couple of options, but we had a little discussion and feel it’s right for him to come in.

"We also have Hugo coming in on Friday, another one who we can assess.

"I don’t think we should hang our hat on these players, at the moment, given their fitness status.

"But it will be interesting to add a couple of players to the group, even if it’s just training and being able to brighten that up.

"We have another couple of tricks up our sleeve as well."