BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel says he has no qualms about handing Rogan Ravenhill his league debut in next Saturday's League One opener against Bromley following his impressive bow in Saturday's EFL Cup tie.

The boyhood Reds fan, 20, stepped in with aplomb for the injured Cieran Slicker and made a key contribution to the penalty shoot-out success versus Wigan Athletic.

Stendel, who triumphed in the first game of his second spell in charge, like in his first, said: "He improved a lot in training. I think nobody among the players had to think: 'oh he's playing his first game and (whether) he can do it or not'.

"I think the performances in training and also in the friendly games shows everybody he is ready to play and especially after this game I think we all we are happy that we have him in the squad and he can play next week."

Daniel Stendel. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Daniel Stendel. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ravenhill, who spent loan spells at non-league sides Macclesfield and Leamington last term, insists that his aim this season is to become the Reds' number one - with Slicker's injury presenting a window of opportunity.

The loan keeper has an appointment with a specialist and an update on his length of absence is likely to arrive soon.

On his own mission, Wombwell-raised Ravenhill, who found out he would be playing in midweek, said: "Play every game. That's ultimately my aim.

"It was my aim at the start of the season to start the first game of the season. Obviously, that's happened. Unfortunately, Slicks is injured, but that's football for you.

Barnsley midfielder Luca Connell, who has lost the captain's armband, with Cam McGeehan named as the Reds' new on-pitch leader for the EFL Cup tie against Wigan. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"So, hopefully, I can carry on and play every game.

"I'd known for a few days I was playing. I'd been pretty calm about it, I don't think you can let nerves get the better of you.

"It's one of those things and you've got to take it in stride. Everything happens for a reason. I've slept well."

On a special day, he continued: "Obviously, my family were up there. I gave them a little wave after.

"It's so nice. I used to come for the games with them. It's a dream come true."

Stendel handed the captain's armband to Cam McGeehan ahead of Luca Connell, with the Reds chief praising the attitude and performance of the latter following the decision.

He added: "I think Luca Connell played well in the second half.

"He is ready, fit and has quality, but this is what I expected from everybody on the pitch."