Barnsley: Cranie in to strengthen Reds

The former Portsmouth and Southampton defender joins the Oakwell club on a one-year deal after leaving Coventry in the summer.

Hill said: “He’s an exceptional player and he’ll come in to the squad and add some real versatility. He’s an excellent signing.”

Cranie, 25, added: “The gaffer has shown a lot of faith in me and when I came in to have a look around he had a lot of good things to say.

“I’ve been at Leeds training during pre-season so I am fit and raring to go.”

Hill is battling an injury crisis as the Reds look to build on last Saturday’s win over Middlesbrough.

Jim McNulty (hamstring), Paul Digby (thigh), Matt Done and John Stones (both knee) are all set to miss out after picking up injuries over the weekend.

Hill said: “We’re down to 13 available outfield senior pros. We can’t rest or rotate players and we need to be able to do that.

“To have in excess of 10 players in the treatment room is something we need to look at.”

Last six games: Wolves LDDLLD, Barnsley LLLDWW.

Last time: Wolves 2 Barnsley 0; December 13, 2008; Championship.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands).