Mads Anderson says his move to Luton justified his decision to stay with Barnsley last season.
The Dane stuck with the Tykes in League One, which eventually saw him land his Premier League move.
He recalled, “It was a good season for me, a tough season as well.
“I wasn't expecting to play League One, but now when I look back at it, I've learned so much in League One and I would never take that year away from anything.
“That was perfect for me and then I'm just happy to get these rewards, it's just something on top of the iceberg, so I was very happy with that."
He added: "I had some talks with the CEO of Barnsley and the manager (Michael Duff) at that time, and I believed in what they wanted to do.
"After three good seasons in the Championship, anything can happen, but my decision was to stay at Barnsley and try to get promoted.
"It didn't happen in the end, we were so close, but I've learned so much that year from the gaffer, and just being around the players as well, so I'm very happy I did it."