BARNSLEY have completed the loan signing of St Pauli winger Scott Banks for the rest of the campaign.

The Scot, 24, spent the first half of the season at League One rivals Blackpool, but struggled for starting opportunities at league level.

He made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals – after joining the Seasiders from German outfit Pauli late on in the summer window.

A left-footed winger, who has also been utilised on the right-hand side, Banks – who excelled in a loan spell at Yorkshire rivals Bradford City in 2022-23 – will offer versatility on the attacking front for Barnsley.

New Barnsley signing Scott Banks. Picture courtesy of BFC.

placeholder image — New Barnsley signing Scott Banks. Picture courtesy of BFC.

Banks headed to German football from Crystal Palace ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. Despite a knee injury hindering his progress that season, his performances towards the back end of that campaign earned him a permanent move to Pauli. He made 12 Bundesliga appearances/

Banks has become the club’s fourth signing of the January window following the earlier arrivals of Eoghan O’Connell, Charlie Lennon and Owen Goodman and he offers a senior option in the final third for the Reds, who visit League One leaders Cardiff City on Tuesday night.

Barnsley chief Conor Hourihane said: “Scott is a player we’ve admired for a long time.

"He brings real quality in the final third, but also the versatility and work ethic that fit perfectly with how we want to play.

"He’s shown his ability at every level he's been at and we believe he’ll add another dimension to our attacking options. We’re excited to work with him and see him thrive at Oakwell.”