Barnsley v Blackburn Rovers: Proschwitz is focused on helping hoist Reds to safety

Barnsley loan striker Nick Proschwitz insists he has the game to succeed in English football, but feels his future on these shores is unlikely to lie with Hull City.

Proschwitz’s face never really fitted at the KC Stadium despite him being a marque £2.6m signing by manager Steve Bruce 18 months ago.

Seven goals in 37 games later – only 12 of them starts – he has been sent to Barnsley on loan and makes his debut for his new club tonight at Oakwell when the Reds welcome Blackburn Rovers.

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The 27-year-old has a year left on his deal at Hull and, while he is refusing to look too far ahead, fulfilling the final year of his deal with the Premier League outfit is looking increasingly unlikely.

“I’m not sure whether I’d want a future in Hull. I’d like to have a future in English football; whether that’s with Hull or somewhere else I don’t mind,” said Proschwitz, who was a prolific scorer in Switzerland and Germany before moving to Yorkshire.

“It’s not about a future back at Hull City; I just want to play this half-season and get as many games, goals and wins as possible.

“I want to stay up with Barnsley. I have a contract still at Hull so we will see what happens.

“At the minute I’m only concentrating on Barnsley.

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Football can change very quickly, so I’m just concentrating on helping Barnsley stay up by playing well. But I totally believe I have the game for English football.”

Reflecting on his time at Hull, Proschwitz added: “It was a very difficult time. I was a big money signing and the expectations were very high.

“The pressure on Steve Bruce was very high as well and he never really gave me the chance to settle in.

“I’m not angry. He did a good job and I did everything to get into the team, but he made his mind up not to play me that often in the Premier League and that’s why I’m here.

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“Hopefully, I can show him I can score many goals and also play well.”

Proschwitz flew out to join his new club last Thursday on a mid-season break to Ireland.

Manager Danny Wilson hastily arranged a friendly with Dundalk in an attempt to maintain the momentum generated from the previous week’s Championship victory over Blackpool – his first on his return to the club.

He has been impressed with Proschwitz, with the German adding yesterday that he has already developed a good understanding with Reds frontman Chris O’Grady.

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“I can play with Chris or up top on my own, I don’t mind,” said Proschwitz.

“I just want to get some games, and some goals and help the team stay up.”

Last six games: Barnsley DLLDLW, Blackburn WDWLLD.

Last time: Barnsley 1 Blackburn 3; December 29, 2012; Championship.

Referee: S Stockbridge (Tyne & Wear).