NEILL Collins has defended his captain Jordan Williams’ performances at centre-back this season.
The Barnsley skipper has been used on the right of a back three this season, after mainly playing as a full-back or wing-back previously.
Williams has played every minute of Barnsley’s league campaign and has made 184 appearances for the Reds since signing from hometown club Huddersfield Town in 2018.
The 24-year-old has made some errors, including one in the build-up to Leyton Orient’s goal on Saturday.
He may eventually be moved out of the back three when new signing Donovan Pines is fully match-fit but Collins defended his skipper.
The head coach told the Chronicle: “He has been beaten a few times in the air and you could say that’s because he’s playing centre-back.
“Me and Jordan would both hold our hands up and say it’s not his biggest strength.
“The goal on Saturday comes from right wing-back.
“The mistake he makes is not from being at centre-back.
“What people are forgetting is Jordan won the free-kick for the winner.
“There is give and take.
“We don’t have a six foot four centre-back ready and available to play.
“If we did he wouldn’t give us what Jordan does, but he would give other aspects.
“Jordan has been part of a team for the last 25 games which has been probably up there in the top two in the league.
“He brings so much.
“When Donovan and Jamie (McCart) are fully fit, we have a decision to make about what set-up we go with.
“He’s captain, he’s been here a long time and with that comes responsibility and scrutiny.
“If the fans could see what Jordan does for this club, it is what they want from players.”
Asked by the Chronicle if Williams is making mistakes because his confidence has been knocked by the spell out of position, Collins told the Chronicle: “I don’t think so.
“He’s a really level-headed person.
“Our defensive record stands up to the play-off level. We would like it to be even better.
“But the team is playing well, picking up results, and it’s not a big issue for me. Every player has areas to improve but also strengths.”
