BOBBY Thomas admits he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Barnsley career, which the club are thought to have an option to extend if they are promoted this season.
The 22-year-old centre-back’s ten games for the Reds – since signing on loan from Burnley in January – have coincided with the current ten-game unbeaten run which includes eight wins and two draws.
He has won all five of his games at Oakwell so far.
Barnsley are currently fourth in League One with 12 games left.
Thomas told the Chronicle: “I wanted to come in and win every game.
“I am disappointed with the two draws.
“No I am joking, it’s a really good start and I couldn’t ask for much more.
“We want to go further.
“There’s no point doing all the hard work and getting this far and then dropping off.
“Everyone at the start of the season hopes for a promotion and, if we get that, then the season would be fulfilled.”
Thomas is contracted at Burnley until 2024.
Reds head coach Michael Duff has indicated the club have an option to sign him permanently if they are promoted.
Thomas said: “I think there is an option but I am not sure of the specifics.
“I am sure there will be talk about it in the background.
“I would definitely be open to staying here.
“Why wouldn’t I ?
“It’s a nice stadium, good fans, the football is ace.
“I have not had a bad moment here.”
Thomas scored in his second Reds game, the 2-1 win at Oxford on February 1, and has three assists including a fine cross for Mads Andersen to net against Plymouth on Saturday.
He was initially credited with an equaliser at Portsmouth last month but replays showed it was a Liam Kitching goal. He said: “I don’t base my game on goals and assists but, if they come, that’s a bonus.
“I am gutted it’s not two goals and two assists with the Portsmouth one.
“We don’t really work on crossing and finishing but Mads couldn’t really miss from that cross.”
Thomas is relishing tomorrow’s test against Wycombe Wanderers who are known for being a physical and direct team.
“You expect a physical test from Wycombe but I wouldn’t disrespect them and say they are not a good footballing side.
“They wouldn’t be in the league if they couldn’t play.
“But they do have the attributes to go long and we have to be ready for that.”
Barnsley are eight points behind second-placed Plymouth with two games in hand.
On the promotion push, Thomas said: “It definitely gives you something to play towards.
“Being the team that is chasing, we haven’t got as much pressure as the team that holds the position.
“But the gaffer talks about the next game not the position and points.”
