Gerhard Struber's human qualities yield praise from Barnsley FC defender Michael Sollbauer

After a 15-week break between games, the Reds resume their fight against Championship relegation at QPR on Saturday, the first of nine matches before the season concludes with another trip to the capital to Brentford on July 22.

Throughout football's hiatus, Struber has displayed a duty of care to his players and allowed those whose families are on the continent to return home to their loved ones, with his fellow Austrian defender Sollbauer being among that number.

Ahead of Championship clubs returning to training in late May, Struber also stressed that he would have no hesitation in cancelling sessions if he felt his players and staff are not safe and has constantly spoken about the importance of their physical and mental well-being during challenging and unprecedented times in the work-place.

Sollbauer, who joined the club in January, said: "What I have known about Gerhard is that he always wants the best for his players and team. You can speak with him about everything. It is not only football.

"Twenty-four hours a day, you can speak about football with Gerhard, but if you have any other issues, you can go and talk with him.

"Especially in this lockdown situation, he told all the Austrian guys and others they could go home.

"I am very thankful to Gerhard and the club because for everybody that was a really great decision. Gerhard had a good feeling for all of us guys.

"I think if anybody goes to him and does not feel safe, he will be understanding for sure."

Looking ahead to the resumption and handling the surreal concept of playing in front of empty stadiums, he added: "In this situation, we have to give our best to handle it.

"This will be a completely different situation for all of us and a little bit strange, especially for players.

"When you go into a full stadium, there is the good atmosphere from the crowd and being without it will be the hardest challenge for every team.

"We have to deal with this situation and push each other on the pitch, so we are in the game.

"But I think we will do a great job there and it is my job and the other leaders. We have to push the team and keep the atmosphere in the team."