Josh Benson admits it will be a ‘test’ for him to get back into the Barnsley midfield but enjoyed playing at right wing-back in the FA Cup win over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
Benson, who turns 23 next week and has played 49 games for the club, began the season in the Reds’ midfield and was one of the star players with four goals in the first two months.
But he has recently been on the bench for League One games with Adam Phillips replacing him and netting four goals in five games, while Herbie Kane is fit again.
Benson told the Chronicle: “There’s a lot of competition. “Personally I just need to keep my head down, keep working and show what I can do when I do play.
“The team has been doing really well. Philo has been scoring goals, Herbie has been playing well. It’s a test for me to get back in the team.”
Benson played at right wing-back occasionally when in Arsenal’s youth system and impressed there on Saturday, with Jordan Williams absent due to a slight knock.
Benson said: “I enjoyed it. I played there when I was in the youth team a few times. I haven’t played there for a years. I felt quite comfortable. Tom Edwards was really good behind me, communicating.
“I was just told on Friday that I would play there and did a little bit of training. I know the job.
“I am not sure if I will play there again. It’s up to the gaffer (Michael Duff).
“Wherever he wants me, I will play. I am just happy to be out there.”
Benson capped his good performance with a penalty goal for 3-0 after a foul on Luca Connell. It was his fifth of the season but first for two months.
“I practice penalties a lot so it was a relief when it went in. I am the designated penalty-taker when I am on the pitch. I think (James) Norwood wanted it but I told him I wanted it.
“I would have been happy with five goals now at the start of the season. I missed chances earlier in the season so I could have had more.”
