CONOR Hourihane has suggested that Barnsley’s number one goalkeeper spot is Kieren Flavell’s to lose even if and when loanee Joe Gauci returns from injury.

Australian international Gauci, who joined on loan from Aston Villa in January, played four times before picking up a hip injury and being replaced by Jackson Smith who then hurt his hamstring weeks later.

That gave a chance to academy stopper Flavell who has generally impressed in the last four games – his first experience of senior football.

Interim head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Kieren is doing great. We will see when Joe comes back what the situation is.

“There is no specific time on Joe coming back so, for now, Flav is number one.

“He’s the one who needs to be pushed out of the goal because he’s taken the opportunity with both hands.”

Josh Earl and Barry Cotter have been back in training this week.

Defender Earl has missed the last five games after limping off at Charlton last month while wing-back Cotter has been out since New Year’s Day.

Hourihane said they could both be involved at Birmingham on Saturday but most likely on the bench.

Neil Farrugia, Josh Benson and goalkeepers Gauci and Smith are all further behind in their recovery from injuries while Georgie Gent is out for the season.