ZIGGY Kozluk became the latest youngster from the Barnsley academy – and son of a former Reds player – to appear for the first team this week.

The 18-year-old full-back, who is a first year professional after coming through the Oakwell youth system, came on after 89 minutes of the 2-0 EFL Trophy defeat at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

His father Rob Kozluk had spells with both the Terriers and the Reds during a long playing career.

Ziggy follows Josiah Dyer and Bayley McCann – sons of former Reds players Bruce Dyer and Grant McCann respectively – in playing in the trophy in recent seasons. Other Reds regulars from the 2000s, Martin Devaney, now the assistant coach at Oakwell, and Antony Kay also have sons in the academy.

Ziggy was the second debutant of the evening, after 17-year-old striker Luke Alker came on for the final 20 minutes.

Alker has been a prolific scorer for the under 18s and under 21s since joining from Leeds United at the start of last season. Irish defender Connor Barratt, 20, who joined from Sheffield United earlier in the season, played the full game on his first senior start.

Head coach Darrell Clarke: “In the first round, we played a very young team but this game was about giving minutes to our senior players who needed them.

“It was good to give some debuts and I thought Connor Barratt did very well.”

There may be an opportunity for more young players to feature in the final group game at home to Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, October 29.

The Reds are already out, having lost their first two games to Manchester United under 21s and Huddersfield, while Donny – whose manager is ex-Red Grant McCann – are second and need a win to secure a place in the knock-outs.