Gabriel Slonina’s memorable debut for Barnsley earned him his first EFL award.

Slonina was named the EFL Cup first round player, the league announced on Monday. The Chelsea loanee played 90 minutes for Barnsley in a 4-2 penalty shootout win over League One rivals Wigan Athletic.

Slonina saved two crucial penalties from Thelo Aasgaard and Josh Stones to help Darrell Clarke advance to the second round of the competition. Fellow American Donovan Pines equalised for Barnsley, leaving the teams 1-1 after 90 minutes.

The 20-year-old Slonina prevailed in the battle for the honour against Tom Ince of Watford, Matt Pennington of Blackpool and Jack Roles of Crawley Town.

“It’s a great feeling to have my debut come across like this, but we put in a team effort in the second half to get back into the game and I’m glad I could be part of that,” Slonina said in an EFL interview.

“The fact that the fans voted for me is something very special. Without their support, this great start would not have been possible.”

Slonina has since started two League One games for Barnsley and is expected to continue between the sticks on Tuesday when the Owls face South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United in the second round of the EFL Cup.