Callum Styles enjoyed his first Oakwell goal but admits he is looking forward to scoring in front of fans for the first time.
The 20-year-old fired into Nottingham Forest’s top right corner after 86 minutes to break the deadlock on Saturday in a 2-0 win.
It was his second goal for the club, and of his career, following his strike at Brentford as the Reds stayed up on the final day of last season. Both matches have been played behind closed doors.
Styles told the Chronicle: “It’s what you dream of when you come to a club to get that first goal, especially at home, and hopefully I will get many more.
“I haven’t scored in front of fans yet in my career so I have missed that celebration and that connection.
“But we just have to keep winning for them and look forward to when they come back to Oakwell.”
Asked what new head coach Valerien Ismael had brought to the team, Styles said: “The togetherness, the mentality, the dedication to do the right things on and off the pitch. We know what we need to do every game. When he came in, the games were coming thick and fast so there wasn’t much time to work on his tactics but we did that during the break and it’s shown.
“The manager has belief in my ability and he’s given me a licence to play.”
Styles, usually a central midfielder, is currently being used at left wing-back.
“Of course I want to play centre mid but I am doing well at left-back and the team has won games so I am happy.”
The return of Jordan Williams and Romal Palmer from injury meant that Styles has more contenders to play in his positions. He said: “It’s healthy competition.
“It makes you always on your feet and you have to play well every game or someone else can take your place.”
Ismael said: “Callum Styles is a part of three or four players here who are very special because they have a lot of talent.
“They are young guys and, for sure, in the near future they may be a focus for other clubs but that is a part of the game. It is my job to work with them and make sure they make the next step with us.”
Styles’ fellow wing-back and namesake Callum Brittain added: “I would never have guessed it’s a new position for him because he’s thriving and he’s a very good player.
“We can work together to play better but there is not much I can say to him to make him play better at the moment.”
