Luke Thomas is excited to return to former side Barnsley when Bristol Rovers travel to Oakwell on Saturday in Sky Bet League One.
The Gas are still searching for their first win on the road in the third tier after drawing 0-0 with promotion-chasing Rotherham United before a 2-0 loss to Stockport County.
Both Rovers wins this campaign have been at The Memorial Stadium, starting the season with a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town before beating Cambridge United 2-0 in the last outing.
Thomas insisted that it was vital Rovers returned to winning against Cambridge and was pleased for Promise Omochere, who scored his first two competitive goals for the Pirates.
"It was very important to get three points against Cambridge," he said. "Especially after failing to win the week before. It was important to bounce back straight away, and we certainly put on a great performance.
"I was really pleased for Promise to get his two goals. I think the fans have seen how much of a good player he’s going to be in the last four games and how strong he is."
Thomas spent time on loan at the Gas from Barnsley in the 2021/22 campaign, returning to the Tykes for a season before joining Rovers permanently in June 2023.
The 25-year-old is an established member of a new-look squad, with sixteen new players coming into the building during the summer transfer window.
Thomas has been pleased with the new characters in the side and said that they are growing together.
"I’m an established member of the squad," said Thomas. "There's a few of us left. We’ve all welcomed the new lads with open arms, and what a great bunch of lads the recruitment team have brought in.
"It’s early doors, but you can see how much we're gelling already, and we’re a team that really gets on well."
Thomas has been an important part of the Rovers squad and has not missed a minute in the league. Matt Taylor has utilised him on the right, trusting him to give the team an attacking outlet whilst contributing defensively.
He insisted that he is enjoying his time at the club and his role in the team.
"I’m really enjoying my football," stated Thomas. "It’s only four games in, so I need to keep that up for the whole season and stay consistent. I think that’s the only thing I’m missing from my game.
"I’ve got a bit more defending to do, but the gaffer here is quite attack-minded, so he wants me to get as far forward as possible. I’m an attacking player, so it’s working well."
Thomas made 86 appearances for Barnsley and was full of praise for his former side, and is looking forward to displaying his talent.
"It’s never an easy place to go," said Taylor. "They’ve got some really good players, so it will be good to go back there and hopefully get the three points.
"I’ve been here quite a while, and I’m loving it. I am glad to be going back to Oakwell and hopefully show them what I can do."
