FORMER Ipswich Town striker Jason Scotland scored with his first touch in a Barnsley shirt, leaving manager David Flitcroft singing his praises as he fired the relegation-threatened Reds to within four points of the Blues.
Scotland came off the bench in the second half to double the South Yorkshire side’s lead – after Chris Dagnall’s opener – the Reds emerging 2-0 winners over Millwall at Oakwell.
The result means Barnsley, as well as fellow bottom-three team, Bristol City, who beat Watford 2-0 at Ashton Gate, are now four points behind the Blues, although both have far superior goal differences.
“Jason played his part. But I’m more excited about his quality on the ball, his passing, his movement, wow, his one-touches - brilliant,” said Flitcroft.
“His finish was exquisite, but I look at his all-round game, his intelligence, runs and link-up play and he said to me before the game: ‘Don’t worry about me Flick, I’ve got an unbelievable touch and my movement is great.’
“I’ve only known him 24 hours, but there’s already an excitement round him and a calmness and I look forward to working with him because he might have found a home here.”