Barnsley v Everton preview: Johnson admits players desperate for starting place

The intriguing clash will be televised by Sky Sports, with former Reds favourite John Stones set to return to Oakwell along with Mason Holgate, who recently signed for the Blues.

Johnson said: “Tomorrow is a bonus game and the lads were razor-sharp in training yesterday. I had three knock on the door, fretting saying: ‘please play me.’

“They are certainly up for it and ready and for a lot of them it will their first games in front of the live cameras and they will get that buzz.

“We want to win the game and have a chance. Of course, they are Premier League opposition and have real high quality talent.

“But we are at home and there has been many a shock in cup football and we hope that tomorrow night we can pull one off.”

Ryan Williams (groin) will be sidelined for ‘seven to ten days, according to Johnson.

The Reds chief says that his loanees should be are eligible for tomorrow’s clash, but is just waiting to see the situation with Arsenal regarding Dan Crowley.

He is hopeful he will be given permission to play by the Gunners, with Manchester United handing the Reds permission to play Joe Rothwell and Ben Pearson.