Barnsley FC 'knocked down the door' to sign Cardiff City loan striker Max Watters

The one-time Doncaster Rovers striker has become the Reds' first January signing after joining on loan for the rest of 2022-23.

Watters, who began his career in non-league circles with Thurrock, Barking and Ashford before heading to Rovers, will provide another attacking option to compete alongside Devante Cole, James Norwood and Jack Aitchison, with loanee Slobodan Tedic currently injured.

Watters, who secured a seven-figure move to Wales in early 2021 following his goalscoring feats with Crawley, is eager to make up for lost time after a difficult time in the Principality.

Watters has netted just once in 22 appearances for the Bluebirds and spent time on loan last term at another League One outfit in MK Dons, scoring seven times in 14 games in all competitions.

This season, the 23-year-old has made eight starts for the Bluebirds without finding the net and he had been absent from the club's last six match-day squads.

On Watters, Hudson said: "He felt that he was carrying a burden of why it hasn't worked here. I sit with players as much as I can, spend a lot of time with Max, away from prying eyes and ears. It's showing that I care.

"He had some interest, quite a lot of interest, from League One and Barnsley have knocked down the door for him to go there and play in a (front) two. They see he can be capable of scoring goals for them.

"We would then get a player back for next season."

For his part, Watters has revealed that he has done plenty of homework regarding his new club.

Watters, who hit 16 goals in 19 appearances at Crawley to earn his move to Cardiff, said: "I'm really happy to be here. It's a brilliant club, great staff. I've seen quite a few games, it looks like a good team to play in.

"I've played here a few times against Barnsley - the fans were hard to play against so that's good. It's a tough place to come, I can't wait to get started."