Reds ready to unleash their new strike force

Tykes manager David Flitcroft drafted in reinforcements after his side picked up just one point from their opening three games of the new season.

That point came in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic, who battled back from a two-goal deficit following Chris O’Grady’s double.

Former Celtic winger Paddy McCourt and Marcus Pedersen have joined the Reds and were due to feature at some stage of today’s game.

“I’m an attacking player who likes to create and score goals,” said McCourt, 29, who has signed until the end of the season. “The short-term goal is to get up to speed with the lads. I haven’t done a full pre-season so the next few weeks will be important; stay injury-free, get training hard, kick on and get as many games as possible.

“I don’t know if I’ll be involved this weekend. I feel fine but it’ll probably take a few weeks to get to where the lads are in terms of core fitness.

“It’s up to myself to get my head down, work hard and the sooner I’m on the pitch, the better.”

The Northern Ireland international was released by Celtic and the lure of teaming up again with Flitcroft – they were team-mates ar Rochdale – swayed his decision to move to South Yorkshire.

“A lot of clubs probably think they should be in the Premier League,” he said. “Barnsley being in amongst them is a credit to them and there are big games every week.”

Also through the arrivals door at Oakwell this week has been striker Pedersen, who has signed a season-long loan deal from Dutch side Vitesse.

Until O’Grady’s strikes against Charlton, Barnsley had failed to score against Wigan or Blackpool, so Pedersen hopes he can help to solve their goals shortage.

The Norwegian international said: “I’m looking forward to playing here at Oakwell and in the Championship. There are some very big clubs in the Championship and it’s a good league to be in.

“Barnsley create a lot of chances so, hopefully, I will be the last one on the ball to score a lot of goals.”