Our U23s welcome Ipswich Town to the Oakwell Training Ground on Tuesday afternoon.
The Reds will be fielding a youthful side against the Tractor Boys, who currently sit fourth in the Professional Development League South.
Although Barnsley may have less experience on the pitch than their opponents, U23s head coach Martin Devaney insists the test is one they are relishing the prospect of.
He said: “We’ll be stretched because we’re going to be a very young team. A lot of lads may be making their debuts, the bench is going to be young with a couple of under-16s, so it’s going to be a really big test for the boys but one that we’re looking forward to.
“We’ve got to show that Barnsley character – high energy, pressing and a mentality where you’re going to perform and outwork your opponents.”
Ipswich ran out 3-0 winners against Swansea City last week but it was the Reds who emerged victorious when the sides last met in April, when Angus Chapman notched the only goal of the game.
Devaney added: “They’re always well organised, obviously they’ve got experiences in their coaches. I’ve watched their previous game against Swansea and they played well. I know what they’re going to offer.”
Opposition Guide
Manager: Kieron Dyer
A product of Ipswich’s academy himself, Dyer is now in charge of his hometown club’s U23s side.
After bursting on the scene as a player at Portman Road, he went on to represent Newcastle United, West Ham United, QPR and Middlesbrough, as well as having a brief spell back with Ipswich in 2011.
With 33 England caps to his name, Dyer has plenty of wisdom to impart on the young Tractor Boys.
One To Watch: Harley Curtis
A highly-rated forward, Curtis scored a brace in Ipswich’s recent win over Swansea and will be hoping to impress again at the Oakwell Training Ground.
Live text commentary will be provided on our Academy Twitter feed (@AcademyBFC) and a match report will follow the final whistle here on: barnsleyfc.co.uk
Supporters are reminded that this fixture will be played behind closed doors.
