Thompson was brought to England by boss Simon Davey

Hereford United have signed Barnsley defender O'Neil Thompson on a season-long loan.

United manager Simon Davey is confident the Jamaican international can make a big impression at Edgar Street.

"O'Neill is 6'4" tall and is versatile as he can play at centre back or as a central midfield player," Davey said.

"When you have got players of that sort of calibre who can play in several positions it adds a different dimension to the group," he added.

The 26-year-old Thompson moved to Oakwell from Norwegian side Notodden FK for an undisclosed fee in 2009, but made only two appearances for Barnsley.

He has played 21 times for Jamaica, and was on loan with the Bulls' League Two rivals Burton Albion last season.

Thompson played under Davey at Oakwell and was expected to join him at Darlington before Davey quit the Quakers.

"He is a full international and came in and did very well for us in the pre-season programme," Davey said.

"Managers have different opinions and [Barnsley boss] Mark [Robins] has felt he is not in his plans, so he is a good acquisition to our squad," he added.

Thompson is Davey's third signing at Edgar Street, after striker Sean Canham and centre-half Janos Kovacs joined this week.

The Bulls boss said is still looking to add players to his squad, but is prepared to bide his time.

"Sometimes players you have gone for are holding out for more money at a different club, maybe in a higher division, and it doesn't come off for them," he said.

"They can come back and eat a bit of humble pie so I never close the door on players.

"I understand that everybody as an individual has to look after their own finances and their own families.

"Sometimes players will say to you: 'I am looking for a League One club', but I will always keep my door open just in case it opens up again."

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