Paul McShane has revealed to the Star that he would not rule out a permanent move to Oakwell in the summer.
The 25-year-old Irishman, on loan from Hull City has impressed at the heart of the Reds defence until suffering a hamstring injury in the game against Cardiff City.
His parent club reported that he will be out for the season, but McShane is setting his sights on the Reds' next match at Crystal Palace.
The Republic of Ireland international has made six appearances since joining from the KC Stadium outfit and has shown passion for the cause having picked up four bookings. He told the Star:
“I’m making progress with my injury, so fingers crossed I can be ready for the Crystal Palace match,”
“I was back running in training the other day, I’m really pleased with the way things are going.
“When I first had my scan I found out that I had a grade two tear in my ‘hammy,’ but it’s been responding well so hopefully I won’t be out as long as first feared.”
“I’m grabbing the opportunity with both hands,” added McShane. “I started the season playing for Hull at right back and then I got injured.
“But then when I came back from injury I wasn’t in the manager’s [Nigel Pearson] plans for whatever reason.
“However, I do feel as though I’ve got a lot more to offer at centre-back. I can do a job at right back, but I’ve grown up playing at centre back and that’s my preferred position. But I wasn’t going to hang around and sit on the bench at Hull when I wasn’t getting games, that’s not the type of player I am.
“I had no hesitation when Mark wanted me to come and play for him, it’s great the gaffer has shown an interest in me.
“I’d certainly be interested in an offer to stay if one did come up in the summer, I’m always open to offers. But we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
“I’ve got two years left on my contract at Hull, so I’ll have to see how the lands lies in the summer and speak to a few people about my future.
“Right now though I’m really enjoying my football with Barnsley. It’s a great club and hopefully we can kick on now and give it a real good go for the last eight games of the season. This league is so tight, you never know what you might achieve if you can string a few wins together.”