Speaking in his post-match news conference, O’Neill said he felt Kelly had made the “right decision” by joining the Tykes.
“He spoke to me in the summer and asked what I thought. I felt it was the right thing for him to leave and go to Barnsley,” he said.
“And that’s not why he’s in the squad – he’s in the squad because he’s made a real impression there.
“Conor Hourihane [Barnsley manager] spoke glowingly about how he’s adapted to their team, and they’re a team that obviously want to challenge for promotion as well.
“He’s just got to continue playing games, and if he continues to play games and play well, then obviously he’s knocking on the door of the squad.”
After earning his first senior cap, Kelly is now targeting more senior appearance in Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off in March.
They will discover their opponents in Thursday’s draw, but know they will be away to a pot one team in the semi-final.
“I’m itching for it and it’d be the biggest came of my career,” Kelly added.
“So hopefully I can kick on now at Barnsley and have a really good run of games to try and get myself in the squad, and the fingers crossed we get to the World Cup.”
