Tonge hopes to inspire play-off run

Michael Tonge says he can fill the gap in the Barnsley midfield and hopes to help the Reds to the play-offs.

Tonge, who signed on loan until the end of the season from Premier League Stoke City, said returning to South Yorkshire is like ‘coming home’.In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, he revealed how he jumped at the chance to join Barnsley and that he would consider a permanent move to Oakwell at the end of the season.

Tonge, who made more than 300 appearances for Sheffield United before a £2million move to Stoke in 2008,  is set to make his debut against old club Derby County on Tuesday.

“I am absolutely delighted and cannot wait to get going," said the 28-year-old.

“My agent spoke to the manager a few weeks ago and nothing got sorted but they came back on Monday and finalised the deal.

“I jumped at the chance to come to Barnsley. I enjoyed my time in South Yorkshire before so this is like coming home.“I am grateful to the management team at Barnsley for this opportunity and I hope I can help the club. We will be looking at results above us, not below, and there’s no reason why we can’t push on and challenge for the play-offs.

“My contract is out at the end of next season and if there was the chance of coming to Barnsley permanently then I’d look at it. It’s only early days but I just want to be playing football and getting back on the field where I belong.

"Jacob Butterfield and Danny Drinkwater were playing well for Barnsley and although it will be difficult, I feel I can step in their shoes and do a good job.”