Kieren Flavell is set to make his full professional debut at the weekend after Conor Hourihane decided Barnsley did not need to sign an emergency loan goalkeeper.

With Jackson Smith joining Joe Gauci in being injured, the Reds could have brought in a new stopper and began to line up options early in the week, the Chronicle understands.

But interim head coach Hourihane has decided to stick with academy graduate Flavell, 21, who came on for Smith at the weekend and impressed on his professional debut. Adam Hayton, 20, is likely to be on the bench.

Hourihane said: “Flav did really well at Mansfield. He’s come up through the academy. I really like him as a ‘keeper and lad. He has my full backing. Everyone needs an opportunity.

“At the start of the season, he was fifth or sixth choice. The fans are behind him.

“The club has a history of backing youth players.

“I am a big believer in giving people opportunities.

“It’s been a strange situation all season with goalkeepers.”

On Smith’s hamstring injury, Hourihane said: “Jacko is struggling a little bit. He probably won’t be available for the foreseeable. Joe is a couple of weeks away yet and still doing his rehab at Villa. They won’t be up for selection for a couple of weeks.”

Marc Roberts is out with concussion and expected to be replaced in the back three by Donovan Pines who is back in contention along with young forward Fabio Jalo.