Perkins getting a kick out of Dawson signing

David Perkins is going to make sure his shinpads are tightly secured in training now Stephen Dawson has been added to Barnsley’s  impressive collection of central midfielders.

Perkins, 29, knows Dawson well and has had several battles with the Irishman over the years in derbies between Rochdale and Bury then again last season for Colchester United against Leyton Orient.

“Daws is a brilliant signing for us,” Perkins told the Chronicle.

“I know him well and have played against him a lot. He will probably kick me a couple of times in training so I will have to make sure my shinpads are on properly. He will add energy to the team and is very difficult to play against.”

Dawson is currently out of action with an ankle injury but when he does become available for selection – probably in late February – he will be fighting for a place against four other central midfielders.

Reds boss Keith Hill has used a midfield three of Michael Tonge, Korey Smith and Perkins in the last two matches with Nathan Doyle appearing as a substitute. With Dawson coming in, Perkins knows his position could be threatened.

“Competition for places always keeps you on your toes. There are a lot of us competing for those places. No one wants to be out of the side so we have got to perform week in, week out.

“Tongey and Korey are Premier League players. I am a big fan of Korey, he has got it all. Tonge has got so much experience and has organised us really well from the start.”