Barnsley v Derby County: Flitcroft determined to overcome Foster blow

He tore his calf with 20 minutes to go in Saturday’s 6-0 Oakwell walloping by Charlton Athletic, which left the Reds back in the drop zone.

“Losing him is massive because his experience is invaluable,” said Reds chief David Flitcroft, who could have the man whom Foster replaced, Martin Cranie, back from hamstring trouble tonight.

“That’s a massive bonus for us. He’s been a consistent performer all season,” said Flitcroft. “He’s a footballer. He knows the game and he’s versatile – he can play left-back, right-back and as a sweeper. The club have backed us in sending him to St George’s Park to help his recovery.”

Barnsley also had midfield man Stephen Dawson and left-back Tom Kennedy sent off and both are due to miss tonight’s crucial encounter, although there may be an appeal launched over the former’s red card.

Flitcroft is banking on his players’ fighting spirit to again take them out of the drop zone tonight.

“If we don’t win, we’re still not relegated but, obviously, we’re planning on winning. We’ve got a massive fight on our hands – the next four games. It’s all to play for.

“As for players coming back, as low as I was on Saturday, I had players coming into my office – Kelvin Etuhu, Rory Delap, Rob Edwards, Jim McNulty – all requesting injections so they’d be available for Tuesday. That’s a suggestion that they’re fighting.

“I’ve told the players that the fans deserve a victory. The way they stuck with the team on Saturday, for me it shows that they’re not fans, they’re true supporters.”

Last six games: Barnsley WLWDDL: Derby LWWWLL.

Last time: Barnsley 3 Derby 2; January 31, 2013; Championship.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).