Barnsley coach Valerien Ismael praises Alex Mowatt's professionalism but criticises Luke Thomas's

With Thomas gone, the Reds will look to bring an extra forward to Oakwell this month, but Ismael does not expect he will have to replace Mowatt despite the midfielder's failure to extend the contract which expires in the summer, and interest from clubs such as Millwall.

“There's nothing new,” said Ismael when asked the latest situation. “Alex and I are completely on the same page. We know exactly where we are and if you saw Alex's performance against Watford you would recognise his clear commitment to Barnsley on the field so it's good to have him and I'm very calm about this situation.

“Alex wants to stay so it's a good feeling. He knows exactly what he wants.

“He's a very good guy who has a clear vision of what he expects.”

The 25-year-old is in the final months of his contract and has so far failed to sign the new offer on the table.

If Ismael is happy with Mowatt's attitude, the same cannot be said of Thomas, who has joined League One Ipswich Town until the end of the season.

“Luke Thomas was unhappy and this attitude was not really professional at the end so that's why when he wanted to leave I think it was the best situation for us,” said the coach. “We want to work with players who want to stay, work with us and be positive. We wish him good luck at Ipswich.”

Ismael also loaned Elliot Simoes, to Doncaster Rovers, because he was not happy with the player's attitude.

Asked if Thomas had a future at Oakwell, the Frenchman replied: “We will see what happens. Now I'm focused on the players who are here.”

Barnsley are working to add to the squad having signed Carlton Morris and Liam Kitching early in the window. Both are cup-tied for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round visit of Championship leaders Norwich City, although defender Kitching is anyway not fit.

“Now Luke Thomas has gone to Ipswich I am looking for a striker,” confirmed Ismael.

“We have plans but I can't speak about them. We are ready and we have 10 days to do something. We will try to add some quality.

“We have to do something, for sure.”

Ismael says he has no fresh injuries ahead of Saturday's game, where the winners will host Chelsea or Luton Town in round five.

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