sport

TYKES YOUNGSTER MAY RETAIN PLACE

Davey - decision to make

Simon Davey is yet to confirm whether Reuben Noble-Lazarus will retain his place in Barnsley's squad for Saturday's derby at home to Doncaster.

The 15-year-old striker became the youngest player in Football League history when he stepped off the bench in the midweek 3-0 Championship defeat at Ipswich and he could be included again for the south Yorkshire showdown.

Davey said: "At the end of the day, he's one of the first-team group.

"We've introduced him and will continue to integrate him. He may well be involved on Saturday or he may not, we'll have to see."

Davey confirmed he will be standing by goalkeeper Heinz Muller, whose two errors directly led to goals at Portman Road, with Luke Steele again on the bench.

James Coppinger is in contention to return to the Doncaster squad for the trip.

Coppinger missed Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Sheffield United due to illness, but the midfielder has since returned to training and could be handed an instant recall by Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll.

Fellow midfielder Brian Stock passed a late fitness on a back problem to face the Blades and reported no ill-effects so should continue in the side, while defender Sean McDaid (dislocated knee) is likely to remain sidelined.

Striker Gareth Taylor resumed full training this week after overcoming a torn hamstring and may return to action at Oakwell.

Rovers tackle the Tykes with both sides wedged in the bottom three in the Championship and O'Driscoll is desperate to sidestep a sixth straight defeat.