Matty James was frustrated by being left out of Leicester City's team by now-sacked manager Claudio Ranieri but says his career has been rejuvenated by Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom.
The 25-year-old midfielder has played seven games for the Reds on loan from the Premier League champions after almost two years without a start due to a major knee injury then a lack of opportunities under Ranieri, who was dismissed a week ago.
James, who was a regular in the Foxes team which earned promotion in 2014 then played a full Premier League season before missing last year's title win, said: "I didn't have a lot of contact with Ranieri.
"I never really got to play under him and my opportunities were limited, even though I have been back in training for seven or eight months. I was looking in from the outside and it was frustrating.
"I was desperate to play football and Barnsley made me feel wanted. For someone to take me after the difficult time I have had was really good and really touching. I want to pay Barnsley back for the belief they showed in me.
"It's the perfect club for me. There were one or two others in for me but, as soon as I spoke to the gaffer, I knew I should come to Barnsley. With the atmosphere he has created, it was like walking into something different to Leicester.
"When I spoke to him (Heckingbottom), the injuries weren't even mentioned – which I loved. It was all about the player I was two years ago and what he could do to help me get back to that level. He told me he wanted me to be a leader because of my experience.
"I am loving it here. I have played six 90 minutes which is a big thing for me because I had not played properly in 20 months. I was starting to doubt myself and wonder what I was doing wrong."
James – who replaced former captain Conur Hourihane in the Reds midfield – is one of five new signings after Barnsley sold three players in January including top-scorer Sam Winnall.
"It was going to be difficult for the lads coming in because the lads who went out did so well. But I think the players who have been given an opportunity have done well for the team and fitted in well. I have got a little bit better in each game. In the first few games, I was holding back so I would have energy at the end. There is more to come from me.
"I have always been the type of player that gets better with every game."
