There's Only One Craig Hignett!

FRESH from a spell in Cyprus, Play Off hero Craig Hignett has backed Andy Ritchie's Reds to win promotion in Saturday's clash with Swansea City at the Millennium Stadium.

Craig arrived at Oakwell in November 1998 after plying his trade north of the border with Aberdeen. He enjoyed a fantastic 18-month spell with the Reds, netting 35 goals in just 77 first team games - including two in the 2000 Division One Play Off Final at Wembley.

Speaking to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Craig said: "There is nothing anyone could do to stop me from watching the game on Saturday. I would not miss it for anything.

"I can see no reason whatsoever why the lads cannot win promotion at the Millennium Stadium. They did very well at Huddersfield Town and have had a great season in general so I am confident that they can win the game.

"I played against Swansea last season while I was at Darlington and they are strong with good players but I firmly believe in my heart that Barnsley can nick it on the day.

"I have mixed feelings when I look back on that final at Wembley six years ago. Losing that day was devastating especially because I felt that we had the chances and had a great opportunity to go up. Defeat was so deflating and it devastated my whole summer. It took me a while to get over that even though the game went ok for me personally because I scored a couple of goals. Winning a final is all that matters - history never remembers the losers. Getting beat in a Play Off Final - or any final - is devastating.

"Hopefully Barnsley supporters will enjoy the day and will be celebrating at the end of it. I know they all left Wembley deflated so they deserve success this time around.

"The Millennium Stadium is unbelievable. I was lucky to play there and win in the League Cup final with Blackburn Rovers in 2002 and that was unbelievable. I thought Wembley was impressive but when that place is full the noise is extraordinary.

"It is am awesome place to play football and I am sure that the Barnsley players will absolutely love it. Sometimes big games like that can pass you by and you do not remember much after the event. I was lucky to have been at Wembley before going there with Barnsley so I savoured the whole day".

He added: "I have just come back from a fantastic year with Apollon Limassol FC and we won the title in Cyprus. That means the club will go into the qualifiers for next season's Champions League although I think it may well be time for me to hang up my boots.

"I have an offer to carry on playing but I am undecided as to whether to do so. My family have not been out in Cyprus with me so I am ready to come back to England even though last season was fantastic over there.