Exclusive: Barnsley FC lauded for "masterstroke" signing of "clever footballer" | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit reacts to Barnsley's signing of David McGoldrick after late winner against Burton Albion.

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that Barnsley's signing of David McGoldrick could be a statement signing for the Tykes after back-to-back wins to begin the new campaign.

Barnsley have begun the League One campaign with two wins from two games, defeating Plymouth Argyle 3-1 at Home Park on the opening day and securing all three points at home to Burton Albion at Oakwell courtesy of a late winner from McGoldrick.

The 14-time-capped Irishman brings a wealth of experience to Barnsley, having made over 500 appearances across the Championship, League One and League Two with a further 63 games in the Premier League with Sheffield United.

Now linking back up with former teammate and Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane, McGoldrick's start to life in South Yorkshire couldn't have gone much better.

The Tykes currently sit in second place in the League One table, only behind Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town on goal difference, with the 37-year-old prodding in the late winner from Adam Phillips' cross to complete Barnsley's comeback from 2-0 down in their most recent fixture.

Lee Hendrie reacts to Barnsley's 'clever' signing of McGoldrick

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie claimed that Barnsley would be over the moon with the signing of McGoldrick, following his late winner against Burton over the weekend and instantly endearing himself to the Tykes faithful.

"I think David McGoldrick will always score goals, there is no doubt about that, that's not just saying it for the sake of saying it," Hendrie said.

"What he did last season at [Notts] County was brilliant, and I have always thought he was a clever footballer. He's not just that goalscorer; he can come on and bring that experience, he can slow a game down, he can bring the X-factor, even at his age.

"I've always been impressed with what he has done over his career, and he's capable of scoring goals in big moments, and that is what he has done again.

"It's a masterstroke, you do feel that. I think that Barnsley will be over the moon that they have signed him. When they signed him, I thought he would be a real good addition to that squad, and it's proved that; they've got off to a good start.

"This could be a masterstroke signing for the Tykes, there's no doubt about that. I think as this season goes on, we will keep hearing that McGoldrick will be among assists and goals. There's no doubt of it because he is a clever, clever footballer."

McGoldrick could play a crucial role for Barnsley in this upcoming season

Barnsley will be hoping to carry this positive momentum moving forward into this season and will be pleased with how they and McGoldrick have started.

Hourihane, 34, is entering his full season at the helm at Barnsley, in what is his first managerial job of his career, and played a crucial role in the Irish forward's decision to leave boyhood club Notts County and step up to League One.

“I’m delighted to be joining Barnsley and linking up with Conor again. This is a fantastic club with big ambitions, and I’m excited to be part of that journey," said McGoldrick upon signing for the Tykes via Rob Staton on X.

Having already bagged his first goal in Barnsley colours, McGoldrick will be keen to add as many as he can throughout the campaign as Barnsley will hope to push for the play-off places after a disappointing season last time out.