Middlesbrough v Barnsley FC - Gerhard Struber ignoring the prospect of Chelsea

A third-round appointment at Chelsea awaits this evening’s victors, which would evoke memories of the Reds’ last meeting with the London giants if the visitors prevail tonight.

That arrived back in March 2008 when millions of TV viewers watched a historic FA Cup upset when Odejayi’s header saw the hosts sink the Blues in a famous 1-0 win at Oakwell.

While the potential for a fresh meeting with Chelsea is tantalising, head coach Struber is not getting ahead of himself.

He said: “Everyone knows that Chelsea is in the third round and is a topic (for the winners).

“But we make the first step and do not bring the focus in the second step. This is not the plan. The plan is Middlesbrough, which is a big task for everyone and our concentration and energy goes into this game.”

Barnsley head north on the back of a low-key loss to Luton and Struber is urging his side to show more bravery against a Boro side who hav won won just once at home since Boxing Day.

Struber, who believes that Boro possess a similar physical and direct style to Luton, added: “I expect my players to be brave in every game.

“I like my players to be brave on the ball and off it and I want to see every player in the here and now, a good heart and mindset and energy together. This is the key to win this game.

“Our plan is always to play with our style and question that mindset of our opponents with our pressing. It is the biggest impact what we have and on the ball, we need brave players and to move the opponents from one side to the other.”

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Thank you, James Mitchinson. Editor.