The capture of Cowdenbeath striker Kane Hemmings could be the start of a signing spree over the next few weeks says Barnsley manager Danny Wilson.

 

The 22-year-old, who has scored 28 goals in 46 games for the Scottish second tier outfit, was a free agent and signed a one-year deal on Wednesday.

 

"We're delighted that we tempted Kane to come down," said Wilson. "He's got a great goal-scoring record up there and we're hoping he can replicate that for Barnsley.  That's what we need because last year we suffered badly in that department.

 

"Strikers cost an arm and a leg but we've been searching for a rough diamond and I think that's what Kane is. Hopefully this is the start of an influx of players in the next few weeks. This signing could be the catalyst."

 

Hemmings is from Burton-on-Trent and came through the academy at non-league Tamworth before signing for Rangers in 2008. He played ten games in an injury-plagued spell for the Glasgow club, scoring once, before joining part-time Cowdenbeath on loan then signing last summer. He was the second top-scorer in the Scottish Championship and was named as the league's Player of the Year. He had a trial with a club in Orlando, USA and several other British outfits were looking at him.

 

"I am buzzing and can't wait for pre-season now," he told the Chronicle. There were a couple of clubs interested in me but, as soon as I got the call from Danny Wilson, I knew I wanted to be at Barnsley. It's not far from my hometown, it's a club with great facilities and the manager wants to play good football with young players like me. So it had the whole package for me.

 

"I think my strengths are my pace and my movement. I want to get behind defenders, score a lot of goals and get the Barnsley fans on their feet."