DEFENDER Shaun Barker has extended his stay at Burton Albion until the end of the season.
After being sidelined for more than four years with injury, Barker signed for the Brewers in August and made his debut as an injury-time substitute against his former club Derby County.
The original contract was until January but having proved his fitness, that has now been extended until the end of the season.
Barker says: “It has been an interesting first six months. Although I haven’t got on the pitch as much as I would have liked that just shows how well the boys have performed.
“It’s a tough moment when the lads aren’t getting the results they deserve and it’s the second half of the season when I think the gaffer will call on my influence and experience in the later stages of the games. It’s lovely to still be here. I have enjoyed the first six months and hopefully I can now help a little bit more.”
After being out so long, Barker is relishing the chance to be back in the Championship.
He added: “Every moment on the pitch is an experience for me. For a long time it looked like it might not happen. I believed it would but there weren’t many people who did. But the gaffer was one of those who did believe I could get on the pitch again and be relied on.
“I’m relishing every single moment whether that is on the training ground, pitch or being with the lads in the dressing room. I’m savouring it as I’m 35 this year and haven’t got long left in the game.
“Every single second I’m at Burton I’m loving it and it’s a fantastic club to be involved in – the honesty, loyalty and dedication everyone is showing to try and stay in this division, I’m proud to be part of that.”