Darrell Clarke says new signing Joe Gauci will be Barnsley’s first choice goalkeeper.

The Australian arrived from Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

Ben Killip has been first choice since October, generally impressing.

Head coach Clarke said: “We’re always looking at areas we need to improve on. Ben has done OK, he made some good saves the other night. My gut tells me getting someone in like Joe will push us further forward and kick us on in that department.

“When I met and spoke to him, he ticked a lot of boxes.

“He has a good size and presence, he’s good at catching and sweeping up. We brought in Gaga (Slonina, from Chelsea) which didn’t quite work as well as we wanted. Ben is a good model pro but that doesn’t stop us wanting to improve.”

Jackson Smith, the other goalkeeper, could now be loaned out.

Clarke said: “When we signed Jackson, we wanted him to get out to continue his development. He had a loan at Grimsby. We are looking for him to continue his development with a loan club. Whether it happens this window, we will see.”

Meanwhile, strikers Max Watters and Stephen Humphrys are recovering from injuries picked up at Wycombe on Tuesday.

Clarke said Watters’ ankle problem was a ‘sore one’ but he was ‘more hopeful’ for Humphrys. He added: “I will have another look at them and work with them on the grass.”

Defender Mael de Gevigney is back in training after missing the last two games with an ankle problem. Clarke said: “Fingers crossed he is fine for the weekend.”

Neil Farrugia has a slight thigh strain while Marc Roberts is suspended after his midweek red card.