On signing, Colgan said: “It was a very easy decision to make. I was away on holiday when I received the phone call from Peter Ridsdale and he sold the club to me over the phone.
“I spoke with a couple of friends of mine from Leeds United and they could not speak highly enough of Paul Hart. They told me he was the best coach they have ever worked with.
“Barnsley Football Club has excellent facilities for a player and I am really looking forward to getting started.
“I spent some time on loan at Stockport County last season and I felt that the Second Division was a battle at first. It was a big change from Scottish football but Paul has said how he wants us to play and how we will impose our game on the opposition to get good results.
“Coming to Barnsley can only enhance my chances of more games with the Republic of Ireland. I have played eight times for my county now but regular first team football will keep me in the manager’s plans for the important World Cup qualifiers coming up.
“However, international football has to take a back seat because Barnsley is my bread and butter so I will be concentrating on success here”.