STRIKER Tom Bradshaw, who grew up in Tywyn, says he is delighted to have joined Sky Bet Championship League outfit Barnsley FC on a three-year deal.

Bradshaw, who went through the Academy at Aberystwyth Town FC, joins The Tykes from League One club Walsall, having scored 40 goals in 87 appearances for the Saddlers in the last two seasons.

The 23 year-old had a transfer request accepted by the Saddlers on Wednesday, and he passed the medical at Oakwell.

His move to Barnsley - who beat Walsall in the play-off final in May to gain promotion to the Championship - is believed to be in the region of £650,000, with the deal also including a future sell-on clause.

Bradshaw, who played for Welsh Premier club Aberystwyth in the 2009 Welsh Cup Final, won his first senior Wales cap in a friendly against Ukraine in March.

He did not make the Wales Euro 2016 squad after suffering a calf injury, but he hopes the move will enhance his career.

“I wanted to play Championship football this year to enhance my career, and I want to help Barnsley kick on as high as we can go,” said the former Seasider.

“Having played here a few times in the last couple of seasons, I know the fans are brilliant, the atmosphere is brilliant and it’s a club I want to represent and play for.

“I’m over the moon to get the deal over the line, this is a massive club and I’m excited to get started at Barnsley, to meet the lads and show them what I can do.

“I’ve met the manager (Paul Heckingbottom) for the first time, and he was brilliant. He introduced me to the way that they like to play, their philosophy, and what he expects from me this season.

“I would like to think that what I bring most is goals. I’m a natural scorer, I like to get into the box and on the end of crosses, whatever to get the ball in the net.”

Bradshaw, who had one year left to run on his contract at Walsall, started his football career in the Aberystwyth Academy.

At just 16, he progressed straight into Aber’s first team, before then being signed by Shrewsbury Town in May 2009.

Aberystwyth Town FC later received a retrospective fee of £30,000 under the FIFA training compensation scheme.

He joined League One side Walsall for an undisclosed fee in June 2014, believed to be in the region of £50,000 - and he went on to score his first career hat-trick last season a 4–3 League Cup win at Championship side Nottingham Forest.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that’s involved and has been involved with Walsall FC over the past two years. The staff, players, chairman and most of all the fans have made me and my family feel very welcome.

“We’ve made great memories that will never be forgotten, The club’s given me the opportunity to play at Wembley, which was an incredible achievement and an unforgettable experience.

“I’ll always remember how it enhanced my career beyond my belief and allowed me to perform at an international level.”

Bradshaw’s future had been the subject of much speculation after the Saddlers narrowly missed out on promotion.

An offer from Preston and two from Rotherham were rejected prior to the striker handing in a written transfer request earlier in the week, citing his desire to play football in the Championship.

That prompted Barnsley to lodge a formal bid and Bradshaw believes the move to Oakwell is the best thing for his career.

He proved he still has his scoring touch as he broke his duck during the Reds’ 6-0 thrashing of non-league side Weston-Super-Mare last weekend, and had an assist.

“I was just happy to get some time on the pitch,” said Bradshaw. “It’s always tough getting the first 30 minutes under your belt in pre-season, but I scored and we got a 6-0 win, so it’s the perfect start.

“The lads are all young, all hungry and really good footballers and the way the team plays suits me down to the ground, so I’m already really happy here.”