Marc Roberts was chosen over Donovan Pines in the heart of Barnsley’s defence at the weekend for his experience but head coach Darrell Clarke admits the veteran defender ‘had to blow the cobwebs off’ following injury.

Roberts had been an almost ever-present in the Reds back three before missing a month with an injury, during which time American Pines deputised well. Clarke brought Roberts back into the side for the 3-1 loss at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The Reds boss told the Chronicle: “Robbo gives me experience and I expected (Chris) Martin to play.

“Robbo is one of my leaders. It’s a team with not many leaders, if I’m honest.

“Donovan is a good lad but I have to get the balance right so that we have enough leaders in there. It’s an inexperienced squad I am managing and that’s why I brought Robbo to the club.

“He had to blow the cobwebs off. There’s good competition for places.”

Captain Luca Connell made an error for Rovers’ second goal just after half-time. Josh Earl pulled one back for 2-1 but the hosts scored again.

On the second goal, Clarke said: “It was sucker punch. We have come back from 1-0 a few times this season. I still fancied us at 2-1 but conceded another and it was one of those feelings that it wasn’t our day.”