Burnley v Barnsley: Barnsley complete their clandestine capture of ex-Blades winger Cotterill

The 24-year-old was released by his hometown club Swansea in January and completed a deal until the end of the season yesterday after successfully passing a medical at Oakwell.

Reds manager Keith Hill said: “We’ve been in negotiations with him and his agent for quite a while.

“He came down last week to visit us under the radar and had a look around the training facilities.

“He actually watched us play against Leicester because he was due to sign for Leicester up until them signing Ben Marshall.

“It gave him the freedom and us the opportunity to sign him.

“He comes with a good knowledge of the Championship, has experience and it’s a no-brainer.”

Cotterill played 54 times for the Blades, initially joining the club on loan from Wigan in February 2008.

He joined the Swans after a successful loan spell in January 2010.

The incentive of joining the teams in the top half is on offer for Barnsley tonight while Burnley could move to within two points of the play-offs if results go their way.

Clarets manager Eddie Howe could be boosted by the return of the attacking trio of Martin Paterson, Danny Ings and Junior Stanislas.

“You miss players of that quality and fingers crossed we can re-introduce Danny Ings and Pato at some stage this week,” said Howe.

Last six games: Burnley LWDWDL; Barnsley LLWLWL.

Last time: Burnley 3 Barnsley 0; Oct 19, 2010; Championship.

Referee: O Langford (West Midlands).