JIMMY McNULTY is heading back north with Barnsley.

Albion today confirmed the defender has signed for the Tykes on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The move will end an injury-hit stint on the South Coast a season early for the Liverpudlian, who signed for £150,000 from Stockport two-and-a-half years ago.

Barnsley boss Keith Hill is a long-time admirer of McNulty and believes his best football so far has come at centre-back.

Newly appointed Hill is keen to rebuild the Oakwell outfit on a relatively limited budget.

Albion have offered no comment on reports they have bid £250,000 for out-of-favour Crystal Palace midfielder Owen Garvan.

The 23-year-old playmaker has failed to make an impression under current Eagles boss Dougie Freedman. He played in Freedman’s first match in charge, a 3-0 defeat at Swansea, but has since struggled to get a game.

George Burley signed the Irishman from Ipswich last summer.

Meanwhile Albion midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey has admitted England under-17s were “gutted” to drop two points in the World Cup.

England drew 2-2 in their second group fixture against Canada when a win would have secured their berth in the last 16.

The Canadians equalised in freak fashion on 88 minutes when their goalkeeper saw his 60-yard punt fly in to the net.

Forster-Caskey, who played the full 90 minutes, told his followers on Twitter: "Bit gutted with the result but we played some good stuff at times."