Barnsley vs Crewe Alexandra preview - 'Sullivan set for Reds bow

Posted Friday, February 20, 2015 by PA

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international John O'Sullivan is set to make his Barnsley debut when Crewe visit Oakwell.

The young midfielder joined the Reds on a one-month loan from Blackburn on Thursday and caretaker boss Mark Burton has confirmed he will go straight into the squad.

Sam Winnall (hamstring) remains on the sidelines but Burton has no fresh injury or suspension concerns as he prepares for a crucial fixture.

Peter Ramage missed last weekend's 5-1 thumping at Crawley and Burton revealed he is unlikely to feature this Saturday, although the experienced campaigner will be alongside the temporary manager in the dugout.

Crewe could be without striker Lauri Dalla Valle.

The Finn lasted just nine minutes of the midweek loss at Doncaster before being replaced with a hip injury and he is one of a number of the Alex's players carrying minor problems.

Jamie Ness played 90 minutes despite being ill while fellow midfielder Anthony Grant did likewise while carrying a knock and boss Steve Davis conceded his side looked weary after three straight victories prior to the defeat in South Yorkshire.

The cavalry could arrive in the form of Jon Guthrie, Chris Atkinson (both knee) and Billy Waters (illness) this weekend, yet the returns of Matt Tootle (ankle), Ryan Colclough (hernia) and Fraser Murdoch (knee) are a little further away.