Marc Roberts is bracing himself for a school reunion at Wembley.
He will of course have mates from Penistone Grammar School watching from the stands but, out on the pitch, he is likely to bump into Millwall's Mark Beevers. The duo no doubt formed a decent partnership in central defence back at school but will be on opposing sides this weekend.
"I've always been friends with Beevers since school," revealed Roberts.
"I know him pretty well. I have followed his career from being at Sheffield Wednesday as a young professional. I've always looked up to him and he was doing what I wanted to do. There have been some good players over the years come from Penistone Grammar so there must be something in the water."
Roberts' main concern on the day is also a familiar face. Lions frontman Lee Gregory is a former team-mate of his from Halifax and Roberts believes that he and central defensive partner Alfie Mawson will have to ensure they keep him quiet. He added: "I played with him for a couple of years at Halifax and he has gone on and done fantastically. Come Sunday it will be mine and Alfie's job to stop him. "I relish that challenge. Coming up against him and Mark in such a high- profile game will be a funny experience."
Roberts' long throws are an extra weapon Barnsley carry in their arsenal and he hopes one will pay off at Wembley.
"We work on all our set pieces, not just long throws," he added. "It is something we look to capitalise on because we have got quite a big squad and some good aerial attacking players, That can be the difference between the two sides. I don't think we care how we score at Wembley but it would be a nice feeling if one came off."
