Barnsley FC head coach Valerien Ismael on Toby Sibbick and Liam Kitching

The former AFC Wimbledon player has returned to the club after a season-long loan at Belgian outfit Ostende was cut short after he failed to make an appearance.

Sibbick, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Heart of Midlothian after falling out of favour under Gerhard Struber, returned to training with the first-team squad on Wednesday.

But the earliest that he could feature for the Reds is in next month’s FA Cup tie with Tranmere Rovers.

On his future, Ismael said: “I think it is a possibility to have more width and depth in our squad.

“I saw some tapes of him and he is a young guy, but with a lot of experience and he has played a lot of games at a high level. I think it is maybe a good time now and time for him to integrate and know the principles.

“We have two weeks to work with him and he started today in training and we will work with him every day to improve and integrate him.

“It is a new possibility for us to get more flexibility and quality in our squad.

“He will stay with us.”

Meanwhile, Ismael has confirmed that Liam Kitching is a player on the club’s list of targets, but says that nothing is yet confirmed regarding a potential move to Oakwell.

Reports have stated that the Forest Green defender - whose former clubs include Leeds United and Harrogate Town - will join the club in January.

Ismael, whose side welcome Huddersfield Town in a Boxing Day derby, added: “Liam Kitching is among our list and we are looking for a defender.

“We will see what happens in the next few days and weeks and for sure, we want to have players as quick as possible from January to work with the guys. We are working.”