JASPER Moon was delighted to be named man of the match in just his fourth league start for Barnsley and hopes there are many more impressive performances to come.
The 20-year-old has started the last three games having previously only started one professional league game in his career. He was awarded man of the match for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
Moon told the Chronicle: “It was great for me and my family. They were really proud of me and I was proud of myself.
“To be man of the match in the Championship is not something a lot of people achieve so hopefully there are more to come.
“I feel good out there but I can improve. As soon as I am more confident in the team, it will be a lot better.”
Moon added: “Before I played I would say the Championship is daunting and you worry that, if you don’t play well, you will never play at that level again. But now I’ve played in it I feel comfortable. I think this is one of the best clubs in the country for developing young players.”
Moon and Aapo Halme have been drafted into the back three due to the suspension of Liam Kitching and injury to Mads Andersen.
“It’s healthy competition. Hopefully the manager and staff believe in me after the last three games and keep playing me but, if the coaching staff choose the other lads, then fair play and I’ll just keep working hard.”
Moon was used as a defensive midfielder last season by Valerien Ismael and Markus Schopp played him there on the opening day of this campaign at Cardiff before returning him to his original position of centre-back. He is being used on the left of a back three but is right-footed. Moon said: “It can be difficult at times but I am working on my left foot and I’ll get better. I don’t mind where I play but I do feel more comfortable in defence than midfield and I have more assertiveness there.”
Moon has enjoyed playing alongside Poland international Michal Helik.
“He’s a top player and we’ve done well to get him. It’s an honour to play next to him and it’s easy because he covers everything and, if you make a mistake, you can trust him to be there.”
Before the next international break, Barnsley are due to play three teams who join them in the Championship’s bottom seven as they visit Blackpool tomorrow then host Nottingham Forest and Millwall. Moon said: “The next three games are massive and we want to get back to winning but it doesn’t matter if you play a top team or bottom team – any game in the Championship is really tough. Hopefully we can take all the points from those games.
“Our start has not been too bad, compared to previous seasons.
“We’re really getting used to the manager’s style. As long as we keep a solid foundation, everything else will come over time like taking more chances.”
