New deal is good news for Tykes and Potter

Over recent years, Barnsley's youth system has produced a number of centre-backs who have enjoyed solid careers including Chris Morgan, Jon Parkin, and Anthony Kay.

Barnsley-born Potter, 20, spent three months out with a knee injury before making his first appearance under manager Mark Robins against Cardiff City 11 days ago.

Although he was dropped to the bench for the victory over Blackpool last weekend, he is set to have a bigger role to play for the club next season.

"Luke is a natural left-sided centre-back, he is a good player, and he has got a lot of ability," said Robins. "Down the line, if he can progress the way we think he can, we will have a player on our hands.

"I know he has played a couple of games previous to me coming in and done pretty well in those games as well, but he couldn't have made a better start under me."

"In his first game (against Cardiff), he acquitted himself very well," commented Robins. "To play against two of the most experienced players in the division (Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd) and keep them quiet is a great start. If he continues like that, he will put himself in the starting line-up every week.

With Stephen Foster and Darren Moore still regarded as the first choice centre-back pairing at Oakwell and Ryan Shotton on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season, Potter may have to settle for a place on the substitute's bench for now.

And having tasted first team football on loan , there is no real urgency to send the player out on loan again.

"There have been one or two enquiries about Luke but I have been loathe to let him out because he is close to our first team. If we do, it would depend on the way he develops and the circumstances relatng to other players.

"Time will tell whether he is ready for games," he added. "Luke has got to maintain the standard he has set now.

"If he keeps that consistency, he will keep his place in the side."