Paul Corry: Barnsley a good platform for Neil Farrugia to shine

Paul Corry believes Neil Farrugia could have potentially got a move to a higher level than the third tier of English football but feels Barnsley is a good club where he will receive ample opportunities to prove his worth.

On Friday, it was confirmed that Shamrock Rovers winger Farrugia would leave the League of Ireland and join League One side Barnsley on a two-and-a-half year deal.

With the Colliers in promotion play-off contention in the English third tier, former Sheffield Wednesday, UCD and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Corry told RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport that League One could provide a good springboard for Farrugia to push on further, especially with a former Republic of Ireland international on the coaching staff and a sizeable Irish contingent.

"I just thought that his European performances might have got him higher up the food chain in the UK and that's not being disrespectful to Barnsley. I just think Neil's last 12 months warranted potentially a bigger move," he said.

"But it's a good club. Barnsley, he will play there, he will get opportunities. Conor Hourihane is the assistant manager there, there's a good Irish contingent within the club, so I'm sure he'll settle in quite well which is really important.

"But it's about playing when you get over there and he will get opportunities at Barnsley and Barnsley are a club who will always sell players on if they are progressing well and move them higher up the food chain.

"So I'm delighted for Neil and for his journey and for his growth. It's a really good opportunity. I was just a little bit surprised when I saw it was Barnsley if I'm being brutally honest."

Farrugia has been a key figure for Shamrock Rovers during an impressive UEFA Conference League campaign and with