Barnsley's Jack Walton earns three-year deal on back of fine finish to season

The 22-year-old made his first appearance in 15 months as Barnsley returned from the coronavirus lockdown with a 1-0 win at Queens Park Rangers. He went on to play every minute for the remainder of the season, keeping five clean sheets in nine matches.

He was instrumental in his club's unlikely escape from Championship relegation, making up the seven-point gap to safety once fixtures resumed.

That form has been rewarded with a new deal to keep him at Oakwell until 2023.

Walton was the third goalkeeper Barnsley turned to last season after losing Adam Davies to Stoke City in the summer.

Sami Radlinger and Bradley Collins arrived on free transfers last summer. Austrian Radlinger was given the first chance, but released during lockdown having lost his place to 23-year-old Englishman Collins.

Walton, who joined from Bolton Wanderers' academy five years ago, was the last to be turned to, having made the first of his 18 appearances for the club at Nottingham Forest in April 2018. The Bury-born players has had a number of loan spells with non-league Stalybridge Celtic.

Despite his new deal, Walton is refusing to take it for granted that he will start next season in goal.

“Brad is a really good mate and very good goalkeeper," he said.

“I am looking forward to a good battle against him which I think you need as a goalkeeper. We are two young goalkeepers and we will both push each other and get the best out of each other. It’s a new season and a blank canvas

"Whoever performs the best in training will play. I want to play the games and be Barnsley’s No 1 going forward.”

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