Gabriel Slonina set for Barnsley debut in EFL Cup

Gabriel Slonina might not have to wait long to earn his Barnsley debut.

Slonina is set to feature for the English League One side on Tuesday in the first round of the EFL Cup vs. Wigan Athletic. The U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper joined on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Chelsea in the latest chapter of his professional career.

After spending last season in the Belgian Pro League, Slonina now stays in England for the opportunity to earn consistent minutes with a promotion contender in Barnsley.

Darrell Clarke’s men lost 2-1 on Friday in their competitive opener vs. Mansfield Town and should receive a tough test from fellow promotion chasers Wigan on Tuesday night. A positive debut for Slonina could be what helps him grab the No. 1 spot from 28-year-old Ben Killip as the early stages of the new campaign rolls on.

“Gaga [Slonina] had a great preseason, he got minutes with the USA national team and with Chelsea, so he’s ready to get on and show what he can do,” Clarke told reporters Monday.

Slonina made 34 appearances for Belgian side Eupen last season and overall has 77 first team appearances under his belt to date.

He will joined by fellow American Donovan Pines in the Barnsley squad this season.