Barnsley manager Neill Collins has provided an injury update on two players ahead of tomorrow’s crucial promotion clash with Bolton Wanderers.
Collins was without two players for Barnsley’s 4-2 away win at the weekend against Wycombe Wanderers, but he has confirmed he is expecting to welcome one of those back. Nicky Cadden was unavailable for the game due to an injury but will be fit for the clash on Tuesday against Bolton in midweek, the manager confirmed [quotes via The Yorkshire Post]:
“Cads should be fine, he’s had an illness. He should be available.”
While Cadden is expected to return, there is a blow for the Tykes as striker John McAtee will miss the game with a back injury. The 24-year-old has featured 28 times for Barnsley this season since joining them on loan from Luton Town in the summer.
“McAtee is probably out with his back injury, he probably won’t be available,” Collins said.
The injury to McAtee, which occurred during the 2-1 win against Derby County in February, means the focus will now be on Devante Cole to try and come up with the goals. The 28-year-old is currently on a run of five without scoring, with his last goal coming against Tuesday’s opponents.
The Barnsley boss was asked about the striker’s current run of form and declared he had full faith in him to turn it around in the coming matches.
“I don’t worry about someone like Devante as I think it’s just a case of following the process he has followed all season long and he’s continuing to work hard for the team.”
“I look at his performance against Derby and it was excellent. Having the top-scorer in the league work so hard is what makes him a top player, so as long as continues like that, he will continue to add to his goal tally and we’ll continue to win while he works for the team. So there’s no concerns for me.”
The Yorkshire club are currently fourth in League One, just three points off second placed Derby with two games in hand. A win against third placed Bolton on Tuesday would take them level on points with both the Rams and the Trotters going into the final part of the season.
Writer’s View
The return of Cadden to the starting lineup will be a major boost for Barnsley as they look to solidify their push for promotion this season, but the injury to McAtee will cause some concern among fans. Their nerves, however, could be eased very quickly if Cole can find his goal scoring touch again.
With 17 goals in 34 games this season, it’s hard to imagine it being long before he finds the back of the net again, and if he could do it on Tuesday night, it would be a major boost for his side.
