Barnsley v Burnley: No rush for Butterfield to sign new deal, says Hill

BARNSLEY manager Keith Hill insists there is no hurry for midfielder Jacob Butterfield to commit his future to the club.

Butterfield, 21, will be out of contract next summer and is currently stalling on Barnsley’s offer of a new deal.

His form is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs including Fulham, Everton and Wolves but Hill says the only thing that matters for now is maintaining his form.

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“If we can, we will sit down with Jacob and his representative,” said Hill. “But it is important that Jacob doesn’t take his eye off the reason why everyone is talking about him and that’s because he is performing in a team that has been relatively successful. There won’t be any rush or pressure from my point of view as long as he is performing on the football pitch.”

Bradford-born Butterfield became the youngest captain in Barnsley’s history when handed the captain’s armband by Hill last month. If he refuses to sign a new deal and leaves next summer, Barnsley will still be entitled to compensation because he is under the age of 24.

“At the end of the day, if we can’t agree to an extension on his contract, that’s his prerogative,” said Hill. “I have lost players before as a result of them running down contracts. I am more than happy with the situation.

“He is happy and he is representing Barnsley Football Club as captain and trying to be as successful as he can for the remainder of the season.”

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Speaking ahead of tonight’s home game with Burnley, Hill re-affirmed his confidence that the Tykes are equipped to survive in this season’s Championship,

His side suffered a 2-0 weekend defeat at Portsmouth but had been unbeaten in their previous seven games and sit four points clear of the relegation zone.

“Sometimes the opposition are just a little bit better than you – and you just have to accept that,” he said. “We are what we are and we’re dealing with what we’ve got. We’ll be successful this season in our remit to retain our Championship status.”

The Tykes have suffered a double injury blow with both Bobby Hassell and Jay McEveley ruled out of tonight’s game after picking up knocks at Fratton Park.

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The losses will be offset by the return of centre-back Rob Edwards after a five-game absence with a hamstring problem.

Striker Craig Davies could also start tonight after returning to action as substitute against Portsmouth. The Welsh international, a summer signing from Chesterfield, had been out since August 20 with a groin injury.

Last six games: Barnsley DDDDWL, Burnley LWDWWL.

Last time: Barnsley 1 Burnley 2; December 26, 2010; Championship.

Referee: LS Mason (Lancashire).