AT the age of 31, Barnsley captain Cameron McGeehan is —by a fair distance - the 'veteran' in the Reds' playing ranks.

Daniel Stendel may prefer to work with young players, but he makes an exception for the midfielder, who he got the best out of in his maiden spell in charge.

Second time around, McGeehan - now his captain - is not letting him down again.

As well as leading the side, he is also chipping in on the scoring front with four goals already this term, with the former Northampton Town man currently the club’s top-scorer this campaign.

Barnsley captain Cameron McGeehan, pictured in action in the recent League One game against Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Barnsley captain Cameron McGeehan, pictured in action in the recent League One game against Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

He has already scored half as many goals as managed in the whole of last term with the Cobblers.

Stendel, whose side will be seeking to put last weekend’s tough League One home loss to Stevenage behind them at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, added: "I think he showed in the first few weeks that he takes the responsibility in the squad on the pitch and next to the pitch.

"He's scored some big goals for us in the first few games.

"He shows every time that it doesn't matter if he is the oldest player in the squad.

Rotherham United and ex-Barnsley striker Tom Bradshaw, pictured in action in the recent game against Chesterfield. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"He still has ambition and wants to improve every day. He is a good example for our really young squad and the young players. They have to work hard every day to improve.

"This is what I like: that we have characters like him in our squad. They are a good example for the young guys."

Another thirty-something who linked up with the Reds earlier this year for a second spell was striker Tom Bradshaw, who spent the second half of last term on loan.

There was some speculation that the Oakwell outfit could make a permanent move for the frontman in the summer, but things never transpired.

Bradshaw now finds himself on the other side of the Dearne Valley at Rotherham United.

On whether there was any chance of a Reds return, Bradshaw said: "I think there was a lot of change, obviously managerially (in the summer), but also in the way the club wanted to go.

"I enjoyed going back, for sure. I love the fans and the players, but I think a new challenge for me at this stage of my career—in terms of a different club and meeting new lads and playing under a different manager—was something I was really looking forward to."