DANIEL Stendel has thrown down the gauntlet to his squad players ahead of Barnsley's two EFL Trophy appointments during the extended international hiatus.

The Reds begin their Northern section Group G Trophy campaign at home to Leeds United under-21s on Tuesday (7pm) and travel to Fleetwood Town for their second group game on Tuesday, October 6.

Inactive on the league front until October 10 after postponing scheduled fixtures against Bradford City and MK Dons following several international call-ups - most notably for Patrick Kelly and Tyrese Noslin - the Oakwell outfit are expected to use the Trophy to hand opportunities to some homegrown players.

The likes of Leo Farrell and Noah Town, who have primarily been used from the bench this term, could be handed starts, while Jack Shepherd and recent signings Ben Hamed Touré (inset) and Jubril Okedina are also in need of minutes.

Recent Barnsley signing Ben Hamed Toure pictured playing against Leicester City on Saturday (Picture: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Recent Barnsley signing Ben Hamed Toure pictured playing against Leicester City on Saturday (Picture: Tony Johnson)

Vimal Yoganathan and Cieran Slicker, on their way back from summer injuries, could also be potentially involved at some point, if things go well.

Stendel said: "I think some players come back and maybe have a chance to play.

"Some other players have not played so much in the last times and they can show me in games like that that they have ambitions to play in the league games too.

"This is a chance for them. And maybe also we can try some things to improve in training and try to do it in the games."

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

Yoganathan, speaking after Saturday’s League One draw with Leicester City, said: “I'm always grateful to be on the pitch. I think you become even more grateful when you get injured and being away from it all. So coming back, it was just a great feeling.

“The team talk at the end of the game as well - we're all together, not just players but as a club and as a fanbase.

"We all do everything together and we stick with each other regardless of whether it's good or bad.”

Bradford City also get under way in the Trophy this evening with a Northern Section Group C home game against Newcastle United under-21s (kick-off 7.30pm).

It will constitute an 11th competitive game of the season already for Graham Alexander's side, with their progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup further ensuring that their autumn schedule is not straightforward.

A home league derby with Barnsley must also be fitted into their midweek programme at some point, in all likelihood.

Alexander said: "It's a real tight fixture schedule.

“I know from last season when we had games called off and then trying to get them in the jigsaw, in line with the opponent as well and the EFL, that it can be quite complicated at times.

“There's certain criteria on playing so many away (league) games on the bounce and they take into account the travel we've got that week and everything.

“It’s probably more complicated than it first looks and obviously we don't want a season that's 12 months long. We all need a breather at some point."