The Magpies were handed a major blow on Monday when Mark Stallard limped off with a suspected broken metatarsal, an injury which would have kept last season’s 25 goal striker out of action for 6-8 weeks. However, after a series of scans it was revealed that the foot was just bruised and Notts fans await the return of Stallard within a fortnight.
Elsewhere for Notts, Steve Jenkins [groin], Paul Bolland [thigh] and Michael Brough [thigh] have all recently returned to training following short periods on the sidelines. However, Dearden looks unlikely to jeopardise the full trio’s fitness.
The inclusion of teenager, Shane McFaul, is looking likely following the youngster featuring in twice over the bank holiday period in games against
So, apart from Stallard, Billy Dearden could put out a strong line up at Oakwell as the Magpies look to snatch all three points with Notts having not lost at the Oakwell since before the 1992/93 campaign.
Notts
Meanwhile, Neil Austin looks set to return for the Tykes. The 20-year-old defender missed Monday's victory at
Midfielder Chris Lumsdon will play his last match before sitting out a one-match ban following his dismissal for two yellow cards in Saturday's victory over
Otherwise, Kevin Donovan and Carl Barrowclough were welcomed back to training leaving the boss, Gudjon Thordarson, with no other injury or suspension worries.
T’Barnsley (from): Ilic, Ireland, Gallimore, Handyside, O’Callaghan, Gorre, Kay, Crooks, Lumsdon, Fallon, Betsy, rankin, Flinders, Mulligan, Hayward, Gibbs, Barrowclough, Donovan, Austin.