Darrell Clarke's clear message regarding Barnsley FC duo Stephen Humphrys and Kelechi Nwakali

Brought in on deadline day, Humphrys has ticked a couple of early boxes by way of his first goal in Barnsley colours, in the recent late win at Burton Albion and his first start, against Stockport County last weekend, following three substitute appearances.

The ex Wigan Athletic forward’s game time is still likely to managed carefully in the first half of autumn, while midfielder Nwakali is still working hard on his fitness.

The former Arsenal player was named as unused substitute for the games against Sheffield United and Crawley Town in late August, but didn't feature in a match-day squad in September.

Clarke, whose side visit Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town for a weekend derby after Tuesday night’s appointment with Wycombe Wanderers at Oakwell said: “You are assessing players who are already in the building and players that have been signed. You are assessing players who have signed late in the window.

"Humphrys’ last competitive game (start before Saturday) was March 29 and he’s not going to drastically get fit having been with us for a few weeks. It has to be built on. There’s lots of variables with it.

"It’s a bit like Kelechi to a certain degree. When you don’t do a six or seven week pre-season programme and we’re expecting a player to be in full flow in two weeks, it just doesn’t add up or happen.

"A little bit of patience is key as they have to get their levels up, otherwise they just break down and are out for another four to six weeks.

"We have to trust in what we are trying to do there and bring them along gently.

"You have got to be mindful of that and careful you aren’t pushing them to the max, so they are not breaking down.”