Barnsley sign former Chelsea youngster Jacob Mellis

Barnsley have completed the signing of former Chelsea midfielder Jacob Mellis on a two-year contract.

Mellis, who played for England at U16, U17 and U19 levels, played 15 games for Barnsley during a loan spell in 2011.

In March of this year, he was released by Chelsea after setting off a smoke grenade at the club's training ground.

"I'm really pleased to have got Jacob. He's a quality player and I'm looking forward to working with him," manager Keith Hill told the club's website.

"We're both on the same page as to what is to be expected and demanded from him."

Mellis made only one senior appearance for Chelsea, in a Champions League group match in 2010.

After the incident which ended his spell at Stamford Bridge, he was cautioned for common assault the following month, but now has the chance to re-start a career which began in 2007 at Sheffield United.

He is Barnsley's second signing of the summer following the recruitment of former Portsmouth midfielder Kelvin Etuhu.