On 7 June 2011, he rejected the opportunity to extend his deal at Colchester United and subsequently signed for Championship side Barnsley; signing a 2-year contract with the Tykes. He had previously worked with ex Barnsley manager Keith Hill at Rochdale. He made his debut on 6 August 2011, in a 0–0 draw against Nottingham Forest. On 9 April 2012 he scored his first goal for Barnsley, coming in a 1–1 draw away to Blackpool. The goal was described as a "face volley" by football correspondent Conor Breen.