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Not even Ben Pearson was convinced he was ready for a loan move away from Manchester United this season.

The Oldham-born starlet had spent the previous campaign growing into the role of midfield linchpin as Warren Joyce's Under-21s reach the Premier League play-off final.

But in an interview conducted with the club's official website in September, a humble Pearson said: "Hopefully, later down the line, I can go out on loan but I'm not sure about this season.

"It would have to be a bit later but it might be decided I should go out there and experience playing with a first team.

"I'm not sure if I'm ready yet."

The opportunity to go out soon arrived, though, with League One outfit Barnsley securing a one-month deal at the start of January.

And, in his first appearance for the Tykes, the 20-year-old proved himself wrong.

Pearson was thrown in from the start by manager Danny Wilson and showed his readiness for senior football by putting in a man-of-the-match performance as Barnsley beat Yeovil 2-0.

Wilson was understandably effusive in his praise for his impressive debutant after the game, saying: "You can't go gushing about these lads too soon, but he was excellent and hopefully this is just the start of a long and successful career in the game."

Unfortunately for Pearson, a training ground injury curtailed his involvement in Barnsley's next fixture - a trip to face Doncaster Rovers.

And he appeared to be much missed as Wilson's men slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Keepmoat Stadium.

Doug O'Kane, sports editor of the Barnsley Chronicle, certainly thinks as much, and he expects the young Reds prospect to play a big role during his time at Oakwell.

"Danny Wilson has said all season that he wants, in his words, more 'tenacity' and 'steel' in his midfield and he is hoping to get that from Ben Pearson as well as Josh Scowen who he has just brought in from Wycombe Wanderers," he told MEN Sport.

"I think he sees Pearson as a defensive ball-winner in midfield as well as a good passer.

"Pearson admitted that he struggled early on when he made his competitive debut but felt more comfortable once the opposition Yeovil went down to ten men.

"But the fans were impressed by his performance and he was named sponsors' man of the match. He sat out the next game Doncaster, which Barnsley lost 1-0 on Saturday, with an ankle injury and Barnsley missed someone like him breaking play up in the middle of the field."

Barnsley play MK Dons, Port Vale, Oldham and Swindon before a decision must be made on whether Pearson's deal is extended.

But it is unlikely that United, the player or Barnsley won't want to prolong an agreement that is so clearly benefiting all three parties.