There are likely to be changes in Barnsley’s squad for tomorrow’s home match with Shrewsbury Town but Ben Killip looks set for several weeks at least between the sticks.
Midfielder Callum Styles is likely to return after illness, while goalkeeper Liam Roberts is set for a longer spell on the sidelines following a finger injury which required an operation last week.
Head coach Neill Collins said it was too early to say how long Roberts – who has impressed this season – will be out for but was pleased with Ben Killip’s league debut in the draw at Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Collins said: “All Ben can do is control his performance. He’s done that well in every game he’s played. It’s good that no one had to talk about the goalkeeper change. We have someone who has played in these environments and won’t be taken by surprise by anyone.”
Teenager Kieren Flavell was on the bench on Saturday and the Reds also have Paul Cooper on loan at Worksop Town. Could Barnsley bring in a free agent goalkeeper?
Collins said: “We are always looking at what makes us better. If there are trialists who are free agents we are always looking it. It’s very difficult because you’re bringing in people who haven’t played. At least Kieren and Paul Cooper have been playing and training.”
Striker Sam Cosgrove was sent off for two yellow cards on Saturday with Collins saying the dismissal ‘could have been avoided’. Cosgrove is yet to score after signing last month and has mainly been a substitute.
Collins said: “We can only pick 11 players and we’re winning games. Sam has to be patient and he has been. On Saturday he was making a big impact and it’s a shame his intensity and aggression boiled over. We’ve all made a mistake or two before, we’ll forgive him that. We want to get to a place where we can benefit from the strengths he brings.”
There will be a place free on the bench on Tuesday with Cosgrove suspended. Fabio Jalo netted a hat-trick for the under 18s on Saturday but is yet to appear in a league squad under Collins.
“Fabio comes into our thinking. He has proven he is well above under 18s level. But we also have Callum (Styles) to come back into the squad so we have a lot of competition. We will consider what is best to get us the win tomorrow night. Fabio has a real bright future. We’re excited to see how he continues to impact our first team.”
