Vimal Yoganathan: ‘I can’t remember any Tamil players growing up. It’s a problem’

Barnsley’s trailblazer is determined to show what he can do, starting against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup

Vimal Yoganathan was eight years from being born when Barnsley last visited Old Trafford, in 1998. In the intervening quarter of a century the teenage midfielder has achieved something no one else has, becoming the first person of Sri Lankan Tamil descent to play professionally in England, but there is far more to his story.

The 18-year-old is a trailblazer and stepping out at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night would be a great inspiration for the next generation of south-east Asian players and recognition of the commitment he and his family have shown to get him to this stage. Continue reading...

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