Josh Vickers loan Barnet
29th March
Josh Vickers believes his season-long loan spell at League 2 side Barnet is helping him mature as a player and person.
The 21-year-old linked up with the Bees in July, and has kept six clean sheets in 23 appearances for the London club.
The former Arsenal youngster, who has also had loan spells with non-league sides Concord Rangers and Canvey Island, is back in Swansea recovering from a quad injury.
And following treatment at Fairwood, the keeper insists he is looking forward to getting back to action at The Hive soon.
"I picked up an injury during the league draw against Portsmouth," he said. "Any injury you get is disappointing, but thankfully it has been nothing too major.
"This loan has been what I needed. As a young goalkeeper you need to be playing as much as possible and I have been lucky enough to have that opportunity with Barnet this campaign.
"Playing Category One football with the Under-23s last season was a fantastic opportunity, but League 2 this season has offered me something different.
"Playing for three points in the EFL each game means there is that extra bit of pressure you thrive from.
"You can get so much out of Under-23s and development football, but League Two is a different challenge. Playing in the professional league is what you want to be doing. It is more physical and it benefits me more."
Vickers will link up with former Swans striker and caretaker-manager Kevin Nugent on his return to Barnet.
The 47-year-old, who made over 70 appearances for the Swans between 2003 and 2006, was appointed head coach of the club in February.
Vickers added: "The games in League Two come so thick and fast, with my injury I have not had time to have a chat with him on stuff.
"He has brought a really positive influence to the team, so hopefully we can push on and get some good results before the end of the season.
"My aim is to compete for more game-time on my return. I'm never guaranteed a starting place and I like that because there is healthy competition between myself and Jamie Stephens, and that makes me push myself.
"We have had a strong season and are flirting around the play-off area, so hopefully we can get a run together in the next few weeks and I can help Barnet get promotion."
