According to Neill Collins, Barnsley has yet to witness the full potential of their recent acquisition, Sam Cosgrove. However, the head coach is optimistic that as the League One season progresses, Cosgrove will demonstrate his capabilities. Cosgrove, a target man, arrived from Birmingham City during the summer transfer window on an initial two-year contract with the possibility of an additional year. He has not yet scored a goal for Barnsley, as Collins has been cautious about managing his playing time due to a disrupted pre-season. Cosgrove has started just one league match, which was the victory against Northampton Town on September 23, and has appeared as a substitute in five other league games.
Collins believes that patience is key with the big forward, and he is not concerned about Cosgrove’s somewhat subdued start to his Oakwell career. Collins acknowledges that everyone expected Cosgrove to immediately make a significant impact, but his limited pre-season and adjustment to a new environment have played a role. Collins is confident that with time and increased fitness, Cosgrove will become an important player for the team as the season progresses.
Barnsley’s next game is against Leyton Orient in seven days, and they aim to secure their sixth consecutive away league victory in that match.