Conor McLaughlin was in fine form for Fleetwood Town this season and deserves a chance at a higher level – possibly with Barnsley.
Fleetwood Town’s narrow defeat to Bradford City in the League One play-off semi-finals could cost them more than a place in the Championship. According to The Star, Cod Army right-back Conor McLaughlin could be playing second tier football next season regardless.
The newspaper reports that Barnsley are interested in taking the Northern Ireland international to Oakwell after another stand-out season with the North West club.
McLaughlin featured in 42 League One games this season and, with his contract expiring in the summer, purports to bring consistency and tenacity to Paul Heckingbottom’s Barnsley backline.
James Bree
The Tykes have been on the lookout for a new right-back since the highly-rated James Bree departed for Aston Villa in January. Celtic loanee Saidy Janko has been a regular starter in the back four in recent weeks but he has done little to suggest he could earn a permanent deal with the Yorkshire club.
Perfect replacement?
Consequently, McLaughlin fits the bill. The 25-year-old, who played a major role for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016 last summer, has enjoyed five impressive seasons with Fleetwood and certainly deserves a chance at a higher level.
And Barnsley have developed a helpful penchant for plucking under-the-radar talents from lower down the leagues. The likes of Conor Hourihane, Sam Winnall and Marc Roberts arrived at Oakwell after serving their apprenticeship in more humble environments before taking their games to the next level.
Though Barnsley supporters may take issue with the phrase ‘stepping stone’, it appears that the club’s tendency to help players hone their potential and earn lucrative moves elsewhere could help attract transfer targets.
McLaughlin may be the next in line.
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