Loan goalkeeper Joe Gauci is back at Barnsley following injury but Conor Hourihane says Kieren Flavell is ‘the number one heading into the weekend.’

Gauci, who signed on loan from Aston Villa in January, has been out for almost two months with a hip injury but has finished his rehab at his parent club.

In the absence of the Australian, and Jackson Smith who is also injured, 21-year-old academy product Flavell has been starting regularly and generally impressed.

Interim head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Joe is back in the building. He came back after the Bolton game and he’s training. He could potentially be involved in the squad.

“Obviously Flav is the number one heading into the weekend. He’s been brilliant and nothing but high praise for him.

“Now it’s a little bit of a different situation for him in terms of there is someone behind him looking to play as well. It’s his shirt to lose and I am looking forward to seeing another good performance from him on Friday.”

Josh Benson has been out injured for almost a month and Max Watters missed Saturday’s game with Bolton due to a knock.

Hourihane said: “They are both back on the grass. Max is in and around it in terms of the squad, the same with Benno. They are both quite close to being back involved. Time will tell if they make Friday’s game.

“There is nothing else after that. Everyone has had a good week’s training and come through the game OK.”