Thursday Mar 20 2008 15:35
Goalkeeper Luke Steele will be able to play in the FA Cup semi-final, after rejoining Barnsley on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old will then move to Oakwell on a permanent basis next summer, with the clubs agreeing a free transfer deal which includes a 50 per cent sell-on clause for the Baggies.
Albion chairman Jeremy Peace told the club's official website: "I'm delighted for all parties concerned, particularly Luke, that we've been able to come to an agreement.
"We've always been happy for Luke to go back to Barnsley and play in the semi-final, providing the deal was right for us.
"We felt we were a big help to Barnsley by allowing Luke to join them for a month and heavily subsidising his wages.
"Now Barnsley's financial situation has changed due to their lucrative FA Cup run, we've managed to strike a deal which suits everyone.
"He's now got a chance to play regularly and we wish him every success at Barnsley."
Steele, once on the books of Manchester United, had only played twice in 18 months at The Hawthorns, but sprung to national attention by helping the Tykes defeat both Liverpool and Chelsea during their FA Cup run.
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