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, securing 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 regular minutes before returning to Ewood Park in January.

Back at Blackburn, O'Riordan broke into the first team and collected six appearances in all competitions for the Championship side, enough to underline his potential but not quite enough to guarantee a starting spot this term.

Barnsley have stepped in to offer him that opportunity. The move gives the Tykes extra depth and height at the heart of defence as they look to sustain a promotion push over a long, punishing campaign.

O'Riordan is eligible to feature immediately and could make his Barnsley debut in Saturday’s trip to Leyton Orient.