Great Scott! Barnsley’s Retford lad on loan to Worksop

RETFORD teenager Jake Scott hopes a loan spell at Worksop Town will help him achieve his dream of a Football League debut with Barnsley.

The Tykes utility player has impressed during his month-long loan period with Tigers, and although he expects to return to Oakwell this month, he says he’s enjoyed every minute of his time at Sandy Lane.

“Getting game time over Christmas has been brilliant, the reserve team at Barnsley didn’t have many fixtures for eight weeks so I wanted to get out on loan, and it’s even better that it’s been competitive game time,” he told the Guardian.

“Being a Retford lad, playing at Worksop has been pretty ideal.”

The 19-year-old said he expected the Northern Premier League to provide a stiff test, but not as challenging as it has turned out.

“I didn’t expect to walk over anyone, but it has been a challenge, playing against really good players has made me a better player.”

“I got my professional contract at Barnsley in June and I’m trying my best to get it extended, because I would love to make my first team debut for Barnsley – and the game time at this level will hopefully do me a lot of favours in terms of learning and improving.”

Scott, formerly a student at Tuxford Comprehensive, is a utility player who has featured in central midfield for Worksop, and at right-back, endearing himself to Tigers fans.

His loan, however, is due to end midway through January, and he’s expecting to go back to the Championship club.

“As far as I know I will be going back this month, but I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had, and the management team have been brilliant.”

“Everything has been 100 per cent, from the work ethic to the passing style of football.”

“It’s a very worthwhile experience for me.”

The youngster began life in football with Babworth Rovers, before being scouted by Barnsley at the age of seven.

He worked his way up through the youth system at Oakwell and last summer signed a one-year professional contract to play for the club’s reserve side.

Although he expresses a preference for central midfield, he’s quite happy to put in a shift wherever he’s needed on the pitch.

“I’ve played centre-half, right-back and central midfield at Barnsley.”

“When I came to Worksop I told the gaffer I’m the kind of player who loves doing all the dirty work, and then giving the ball to more flair players to go and score.”

“I’d probably describe myself as a utility player, I don’t have a set position at the moment but I don’t mind where I play on the pitch, so long as I’m playing.”