Wilson's Thoughts on Millwall
Reds Manager Danny Wilson met with the press ahead of his side’s clash with Millwall at Oakwell.
There are no major concerns as far as injuries are aware, but a few ‘niggles’ exist in the camp, as the Barnsley boss explained, “Chris (O’Grady) has been jogging around this morning. We will know better on Saturday morning. We'll know with a lot of them when we have a head count on Saturday.
“We will know more with Jack, Ryan and Paddy on Saturday morning. Ryan was fine. He's an absolutely brilliant pro. He was more annoyed with himself because he was shattered (on Tuesday). We couldn't keep him on at that time for fear of damaging the hamstring further.
“When you get games coming thick and fast like they do, players rarely operate at 100 per cent.
“It’s about what's available to you. The one thing you want to do is play players in their best positions- it's the proverbial square pegs in round holes. That's what we are hoping for by the time the game comes along.
“When Tom Kennedy went in there (at right-back) in the second-half against Wigan I thought he was exceptional. I thought he stepped up and was absolutely fantastic. I presume he'd do it again although it wouldn't be ideal, as we'd prefer a 'specialist' right-back.”
The Barnsley Manager gave his thoughts on striker Marcus Pedersen, who has rarely featured since December, midfielder Tomasz Cywka and Stoke loanee Brek Shea.
“He's (Pedersen) been injured for a long time,” said Wilson. “He's had a game this week for the under 21s and played 45 minutes last week. Since I've been here he's only be available twice. I haven't seen enough of him. We're hoping he gets himself to a certain fitness and pushing to be in the squad. It's unfortunate for him with all these niggling injuries.
“For me he's (Tomasz Cywka) an impact player. He's had his best performances when he has come off the bench. He's a very valuable member of the squad.
“We've not seen anywhere near the best of Brek (Shea). He's got a lot to offer. He had food poisoning the other week and that didn't help. We've seen flashes from him but he needs to be consistent.
“He's got a lot of games in front of him and a lot of time to progress. When he gets over these niggles let's hope we can see the true Brek.”
Saturday’s opponents Millwall are five points in front of the Reds having played a game more, but Wilson stressed the match holds no more importance than Tuesday’s at Wigan.
“Every game we approach we have to win it,” said Wilson. “Every game is a must-win game. They're all important to us. It'll be jacked up like it normally is because they're a team around us. We'll approach it no different to Tuesday at Wigan. We are looking forward to a challenge and a tough game. They'll come at us positive as Ian's (Holloway) teams do.
“There's an opportunity in every game we play. We went to Wigan and for the second half they had their first shot in the 93rd minute. We've shown we can compete against them.
“They're (Millwall) very offensive. They'll come and have a go. They'll throw bodies forward but we'll approach it in our manner.
“We can't worry what type of style they might put on. We need to win - even a scrappy win. If they come and outplay us and we beat them one-nil I will be quite happy.
“There'll be lots of tough tests in front of us. We've got to look after ourselves and get the best results possible.”
