Flitcroft impressed by Butland’s eagerness to fight Tykes’ cause

DAVID FLITCROFT aims to complete the second part of a loan transfer treble today following the capture of England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Jack ButlandJack Butland
Jack Butland

The Stoke City player, 20, who was also on the wanted list of Sheffield Wednesday, has joined Barnsley on a 93-day emergency loan and will step in for Luke Steele, set to be missing for an extended spell due to a back problem.

The Reds will find out the extent of Steele’s injury when the results of a scan come back today.

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England Under-21 goalkeeper Butland has yet to make a senior appearance at the Britannia Stadium following his £3.5m move from Birmingham City in January.

As well as interest from the Owls, Real Sociedad and Sporting Lisbon also made enquiries in the summer for Butland, who will make his Barnsley debut at Leicester City tomorrow.

Flitcroft, whose squad have recorded the club’s worst start for 27 years, also hopes to bring in a player on a temporary basis next week in addition to another he wants to land ahead of the Foxes game.

Flitcroft, who looks likely to have to wait before landing one rumoured target, Manchester City’s Brazilian youngster Marcos Lopes, said: “We can possibly bring another two in, which will take us to five loan signings, which in a (matchday) squad of 18, you can only name.”

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Butland made his England debut versus Italy last year, and Flitcroft said: “Jack coming in shows a sign of intent and improves the quality of the squad.

“The major thing for me was that he wanted to come and, with the position we are in, fight for the cause.

“He’s potentially the best in the country at his age level and group. He’s got great qualities.”

The Reds’ chief confirmed that players will be allowed to leave Oakwell, both to balance the books and his squad.

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Flitcroft added: “It’s how it is. The squad wants to evolve and, as a board and a management team, we want to evolve and win football matches. The current group of players and myself aren’t winning football matches.

“We have to try and change something and affect that change. But for us to bring Jack Butland in shows the extent of what we are trying to do.”