AFC Fylde new boy Josh Kay is relishing his return to the club after completing a loan deal from Barnsley.

The 20-year-old midfielder left Fylde last February and admits he has come on in leaps and bounds after spending a year with the Championship set-up and now can’t wait to kick-start his career with the Coasters.

“It’s great to be home,” said Kay. “My family only live 20 minutes away from Mill Farm so it’s nice to come and stay with them for a while too.

“The last year has flown by and there are still a lot of familiar faces here. A year ago I was the kid coming through and now I’m back and I feel like I have improved so much.

“I’ve had a couple of sessions with the lads this week and I’ve settled right away. I’ve been in and around a first team environment for a while now so I’m getting used to it.

“I have been with the Under-23s for most of my time at Barnsley so far but we have a lot of contact with the first team and I have trained with them several times too.

“It’s been an experience and I have learnt an awful lot in the last year. The tactical side of my game is probably what needed the most work and that has improved a lot.

“I think the technical and physical side to my game are decent, but the tactical side is much better now that Barnsley have drilled it into me. It has made me a much better player.”

Kay made his Championship debut for the Tykes back in October in a 2-2 draw against Bristol City and the youngster insists he wasn’t fazed by the occasion.  

“We had a couple of suspensions and I got the opportunity to play. It was a massive experience and I took a lot from the game. The quality and speed of the play is incredible plus the concentration you have to keep throughout the whole game is crazy.

“However, I felt quite comfortable because I’m confident in my own ability. When we got the call from Barnsley, even though I had never lived away from home, I had no hesitation in moving.

“I like challenging myself and putting myself under a bit of pressure. I thrive on it.”

The Blackpool-born midfield man now hopes to use his spell back with the Coasters as a springboard into the Barnsley first team as well as helping Dave Challinor’s side to league glory.

“I spoke to the manager at Barnsley and he has just told me to make sure I get into the team and do my best. Basically this is a test to prove myself and I have to boss it to show I’m ready when I go back.

“I just have to smash it wherever Chally wants me to play and hopefully come pre-season I will be training with the Barnsley first team permanently. That’s the aim.

“Fylde’s season finishes a week earlier then the Championship season so hopefully if I do well here then I might be involved in that last game for Barnsley.

“And on top of that I have the chance to help Fylde push for the National League next season so there is plenty to play for.”