Tykes target O'Connor deal

O'Connor: Set for Tykes return

Barnsley are hoping to complete a new loan deal to bring Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor back to Oakwell.

The Blues forward joined the Tykes for a one-month spell in September and featured in four games for Mark Robins' men, scoring on his debut in the 5-2 win over Leeds.

O'Connor has found himself back in the first-team picture on his return to St Andrews, but Birmingham boss Alex McLeish appears ready to allow him to head back to South Yorkshire.

Robins told the club's official website: "We are hoping to re-sign Garry on loan very soon.

"He has been with us this morning (Thursday) but has a slight groin problem so we are just waiting on that before completing the paperwork.

"Hopefully it will be done in the not too distant future and he will be back with us."

Rusty

McLeish confirmed he will allow O'Connor to spend a second spell away from the Midlands to gain sharpness after a lengthy lay-off following a double hip operation.

He said: "Garry is going to go out on loan again. We just feel he is a bit rusty.

"He is not going to get regular first- team football at the moment and he asked to go out on loan.

"He came in for the Blackpool game and did well and I was hoping he would move forward but he said he needed more time."