BREE CAN BE A BIG CHEESE...

BARNSLEY boss Lee Johnson has backed full-back James Bree to step up to the plate following Reece Wabara’s switch to Wigan.

Wabara, 24, jumped ship to the DW Stadium this week, leaving the Tykes light at right-back.

But in 18-year-old Bree they have a worthy replacement, according to the manager.

“I think he is definitely ready now and has a really good chance to show that. It is a big chance for him to light his name up,” said Johnson.

Meanwhile, Johnson has secured the signature of Preston North End midfielder Josh Brownhill, 20, on loan, initially for a month.