Barnsley Sign Connor O'Riordan on Loan from Blackburn Rovers

Barnsley have moved to bolster their back line with the season-long loan signing of Blackburn Rovers defender Connor O'Riordan, securing an option to buy next summer.

The 22-year-old centre-back, capped by the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, knows League One well. He spent the first half of last season with Doncaster Rovers, gaining regular minutes and a feel for the division before being recalled to Ewood Park in January.

Back at Blackburn, O'Riordan featured six times in all competitions for the Championship side, edging his way into the first-team picture but not firmly enough to guarantee consistent starts.

Barnsley are ready to offer that platform. The deal gives them a full season to test his fit at Oakwell, with the safety net of a permanent option if he delivers.

O'Riordan is in line to make his Tykes debut as early as Saturday, when Barnsley travel to Leyton Orient.