Michael is set to make wholesale changes for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game at home to Lincoln City but insists: ‘I want to win it.’

The Reds host the Imps from 7.45pm in the first of three group games.

Head coach Duff told the Chronicle: “I want win it. The players can't choose when they decide to play well. It's easy to go to Leeds and play in front of 30 thousand or Ipswich. I expect the same things every day.

“The intensity might not quite be the same, I am not that stupid. But I expect the same standards and demands on each other because that's the only way you start a culture - doing the right things again and again.

“There will be changes but whoever plays I expect exactly the same things.

“It could be the last game then you are finished. I was told I was finished at 29 and I would have had so many regrets. I got lucky.

“If it becomes a habit when you cross the line, you don't have to get yourself up for it.”

The two clubs have met 70 times – with the Reds winning 33 and losing 23 – but the only meetings since the 1970s were League Cup ties in 1999 and 2009 which Barnsley won.

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The 1999 two-legged tie was the only time the Imps visited Oakwell in 43 years.

The Reds’ fellow League One club Lincoln, bossed by Mark Kennedy in his first management role, were unbeaten in their first five games before a 4-0 loss Peterborough United last week.

They then lost a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 home draw with Fleetwood Town.

Both sides are expected to make changes to their team, but they must field at least four outfielders who either started in the previous league game or will start the following league game, or who have played 40 senior games.

If they do not, they will be fined £5,000.

Barnsley and Lincoln are in a group with Doncaster Rovers and Newcastle United under 21s.

Since winning the trophy at Wembley in 2016, the Reds have only played in it in the 2018/19 season when they made it through the group then lost on penalties at home to Manchester City under 23s in the first knock-out game.