David McGoldrick: Barnsley sign veteran striker on one-year deal

“Beyond that, he’s a top character and someone I know our younger players will look up to. Bringing in someone of his calibre gives us a real boost.”

Barnsley finished 12th in League One last season, having reached the play-offs in each of their prior two campaigns after relegation from the Championship in 2022.

Ex-Tykes midfielder Hourihane – a former international team-mate of McGoldrick – was named as Barnsley boss after predecessor Darrell Clarke’s sacking in March.

McGoldrick began his career with Notts County before spells with Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, Ipswich and Sheffield United.

He has spent most of his career at Championship level but enjoyed two seasons in the Premier League with the Blades between 2019 and 2021.

McGoldrick scored 22 goals for Derby in League One in 2022-23 and has registered double-figure tallies in both of his seasons back at Meadow Lane with his first club.

He netted 17 times last term but left the Magpies this summer, having failed to agree a new deal after Notts missed out on promotion in the League Two play-offs.

Barnsley sporting director Mladen Sormaz added: “His experience, quality, and leadership both on and off the pitch will be invaluable to our squad.

“He’s had an incredible career at the highest levels of the game and still has so much to offer. His professionalism, winning mentality and goal threat will be a major asset.”