Barnsley Sign Connor O'Riordan on Loan

Barnsley have moved to strengthen their back line with the season-long loan signing of Blackburn Rovers defender Connor O'Riordan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

The 22-year-old centre-back, capped by the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, knows League One well. He spent the first half of last season with Doncaster Rovers, gaining valuable experience in the division before returning to Ewood Park in January.

Back at Blackburn, O'Riordan featured six times in all competitions for the Championship side, doing enough to stay on the radar of clubs lower down the pyramid looking for a composed defender who can step straight in.

Now Barnsley have made their move, and the timing is no accident. The Tykes want defensive depth and a bit of versatility for the long haul of a League One campaign, and O'Riordan fits that brief.

He could make his debut as early as Saturday, when Barnsley travel to Leyton Orient. A new shirt, a new back four to marshal, and a full season to convince the club to trigger that permanent option.