Ivan Toney has returned to Oakwell, signing on loan from Premier League strugglers Newcastle United for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old striker initially signed on loan back in November and scored twice in eight appearances – in the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy game at Wigan and 3-2 league win at Colchester.
Since returning to St James’ Park in December the former Northampton man has appeared once- as an 85th minute substitute in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United back in January.
Toney’s return to Oakwell is a timely boost as they will lose another Premier League loanee for both Easter fixtures- Ashley Fletcher- as the Manchester United man is away on England Under 20 duty.
Meanwhile whilst one player has come through the loan door at Oakwell, two have departed. 19 year old Matty Templeton who has netted once in three substitute appearances for the Reds (in the 4-2 win against Blackpool which was the start of this run of 12 wins in 15 games- has joined National League side Macclesfield until the end of April. The Silkmen are 12th in the league.
The second man leaving temporarily is midfielder Brad Abbott with the 21 year old joining Macclesfield’s league counterparts Barrow, again until the end of April. Abbott has made nine appearances for Barnsley (seven of them starts) since making his professional debut in August 2014.