After impressing with the Tykes under-23s, the big striker is determined to catch the eye of Barnsley’s new head coach Jose Morais

East London Advertiser: Victor Adeboyejo in action for Leyton Orient at Exeter City in January 2017 (pic: Simon O'Connor).Victor Adeboyejo in action for Leyton Orient at Exeter City in January 2017 (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Ex-Leyton Orient forward Victor Adeboyejo is enjoying life at Barnsley and is doing everything he can to be ready to take his chance if a first-team opportunity was to come his way between now and the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has thrived for the under-23s at Oakwell since joining the club on a three-year deal last November.

Adeboyejo was one of many to leave O’s at the end of last season, turned down a new deal in favour of earning a contract elsewhere.

It has proved the right decision with the one-time Arsenal trainee scoring 13 goals in eight appearances for Barnsley’s under-23s during the current campaign.

The most recent of his goals came in a 3-1 loss against Huddersfield Town last month and it came in front of new head coach Jose Morais.

“I was aware that he watched the game against Huddersfield and, obviously it was good to get a goal,” Adeboyejo told the official club website.

“I need to concentrate on my game and work on my development, and work hard on and off the pitch so when the opportunity does come I’m ready, whenever that might be.

“So, that’s just the main focus right now, to allow myself to be as ready as I can when the chance comes. I’m pleased with how it’s going so far; I’ve been working hard with Paul [Harsley] and everyone.

“All the players and staff have helped me settle in well and supported me through those spells where it’s been up and down, but they’ve helped me and I’m happy with how it’s going so far. It’s just the final push now to get into the first team.”

It was somewhat of a gamble for Adeboyejo to exit Brisbane Road after three years at the east London club.

He was lucky enough to go on trial with Premier League champions Chelsea during his time as a free agent and although he didn’t earn a contract, it has increased his hunger and desire to reach the highest level possible.

After playing 18 times for Orient in all competitions over the last three seasons, he is pleased to be sampling life at a Championship club now.

“The trial with Chelsea was a personal experience,” said Adeboyejo. “Obviously the facilities, the coaching, the players - seeing all the first-team players when they were playing, it was just a lovely experience and something that I looked at to, hopefully one day, achieve.

“But I felt that, at this current stage of my career, it was best to come to Barnsley and to try and push for first team football, and try and get myself better.

“When all this is achieved then, God willing, I will reach that stage when I can push for a Chelsea or wherever. But, right now, Barnsley is the best option for me in terms of my development and me going forward.

“Chelsea was a very good experience and it was good to learn, and weigh myself up with some of those Chelsea players to see what I needed to do to reach that level.”

He continued: “It’s good to experience Championship football because I’ve played at a lower league level before with Leyton Orient, so it was nice to see how different it was.

“There’s still a bit to work on but, slowly but surely, I’m getting there and hopefully in the next few weeks or months - or however long it may take - I’ll be pushing for that first team shirt.”

If Adeboyejo does make his Barnsley debut any time soon, there will be plenty of people full of pride at Brisbane Road.