Barnes in as JFH adds keeper cover

QPR GOALKEEPER JOINS UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON TO PROVIDE COMPETITION FOR THE OTHER TWO

JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink has sprung a surprise in his Burton Albion squad reshaping by signing another goalkeeper.

Dillon Barnes has arrived on loan from Queens Park Rangers for the rest of the season. The 6ft 4in London-born keeper went to QPR from Colchester United in 2019 and had a spell with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership this season before being recalled early this month.

“Dillon is coming in on loan until the end of the season to provide added competition to the goalkeepers that are already at the club,” said Hasselbaink.

“We like what we’ve seen of him, he’s a good size and we hope he can add another good option for us.”

Barnes is keen to fight for a starting place.

“I always relish that competition but at the same time we’ll push each other to get better,” he told the club website.

“It keeps everyone on their toes. I had a short conversation with the manager and he has given me insight into how he likes his goalkeepers to play, and I’d like to think I fit that. Everyone’s been really welcoming and looking at the facilities, everything is there and I’m pleased to be here.”

Barnes’ comment about how the manager wants his keepers to play and Hasselbaink’s comment about Barnes’ size may be clues to the reasoning behind the signing.

Hasselbaink has selected Ben Garratt ahead of Kieran O’hara for both of his games in charge so far but may see Barnes as potentially more dominant in his six-yard box than either.