Reds face an ‘A-level’ test with Bluebirds in town

AFTER making the grade, for the most part, in their recent Championship matches, Barnsley face the equivalent of an ‘A-level exam’ at home to Cardiff City tomorrow.

That is the stark warning from head coach Gerhard Struber, who believes that the weekend visitors will seriously test his side’s new-found defensive aptitude with their direct and physical approach.

Last month, the Bluebirds overpowered the Reds’ relegation rivals Huddersfield Town in a 3-0 away-win with Terriers head coach Danny Cowley admitting that the visitors ‘bullied’ his side.

Acknowledging that if Barnsley pass tomorrow’s test, it will represent a significant moment, Struber said: “Many games are a big test, but I think this is the A-level exam and we have to make a good test. It is a very good test for my players who have responsibility to play in the defence.

“It is a big opponent with big strength, especially in the case of set-pieces and throw-ins, they have a very big threat.

Meanwhile, Struber, who remains hopeful that captain Alex Mowatt will agree a new deal ‘in the next days’, is backing Elliot Simoes to make a longterm impact after signing a new deal until the summer of 2023.

He added: “Elliot has shown me he is a very important player right now and a big player hopefully for the future. I am very happy he has signed.”

On his confidence that Mowatt will sign fresh terms, the Austrian said: “Alex is my captain and a big role model for the whole team and club. We hope he signs in the next days.

“I am very happy with his performance in every game and in the other side, he is a big human and a very nice guy in the dressing room.”