BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel admits he is mindful of not overloading teenage duo Arley Kay and Luke Alker.

The pair have started every game so far this season and with the Reds in the midst of a busy schedule - today is their second successive three-game week - Stendel will monitor their minutes going forward.

The arrival of Ziyad Larkeche, Connor O'Riordan and Ben Hamed Touré in the days before the deadline has at least beefed up his options for the autumn run.

The Reds chief, eyeing a fourth straight win today, said: "It is good that we get some more players in because we have a lot of games in the next few weeks.

Barnsley star Arley Kay, pictured in action against Blackpool on Wednesday evening. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Barnsley star Arley Kay, pictured in action against Blackpool on Wednesday evening. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"We don't know really what was happening in the international break, but we have to look to be a little bit careful with our young players, especially players like Luke Alker and Arley Kay.

"It's their first season in the first team and especially Arley has played 90 minutes in every game and we have a little bit to look after him, but with Ziyad (Larkeche) we get more (defensive) options and it is good for us.

"On one side, everybody wants to play every time; on the other side we have to look after the squad a little bit.

"For some positions, at the moment with some injuries, we have not so many (options) to replace them and that means we have to be careful with the players that we have."

Barnsley's Luke Alker has started every game this season for the Reds, alongside fellow teenager Arley Kay. Photo: Tony Johnson.

A number of young academy players have appeared on the Reds' matchday squads so far this season and Stendel expects his defensive-minded ones to stay put and not be loaned out ahead of transfer deadlines for non-league clubs.

He added: "I think since we have started, we have looked (at everyone) so that we know every player, especially in the 21s and under-18s - and (know) who we can trust and can prove they can play for the first-team squad.

"I think we will look to keep these players here because something could happen, especially in the defence (where) we need some ideas in how we should play them."

Ivorian striker Touré could be named on the bench if he receives his relevant visa clearance ahead of the game.