here does the future lie for Adam Hammill? On one end of the scale, there's the new contract that he signed at Liverpool last summer which would indicate that he has a role to play in Rafael Benitez's plans. Yet, at the same time, he has been constantly loaned out to Championship clubs without really making much of an impact.

Or, at least, he hadn't before joining Barnsley for the second half of this season. Despite suffering from injury, he did well enough to win the backing of the home fans and apparently even caught the coaching staff of England's U21 side.

"Adam Hammill was extremely popular with the fans at Barnsley," Mark Stokes, editor of Barnsley fan site Barnsley One, confirms. "He was twice named Man of the Match at Oakwell. His commitment to helping Barnsley avoid the drop drew much praise from the fans. Such was the impression he made over his 14 appearances that the Barnsley supporters are hoping they can get him back for next season on another loan deal. He is an exciting talent and one we would all like to see back at Oakwell next season."

As anyone who had seen him play can confirm, there was never really any doubt that he was a talented player. Yet the rumours when he was still at Liverpool were that he was also self-centred. Perhaps thanks to his experiences on loan, he now seems to have matured a fair bit, drawing praise for his commitment to Barnsley's cause.

Indeed his dedication is something that Mark highlights. "His goal in the final game of the season helped Barnsley to a win and he showed tremendous desire to succeed and it looked as important to Adam that Barnsley stayed in the Championship. Having chatted with him several times he comes across as a great lad who is considerate of the fans and keen to develop a bond with them."

"Like every other Barnsley fan I hope he will be back to play for us in August."