Port Vale v Barnsley FC: Conor Hourihane calls for intensity in EFL Trophy knockout

The Football League Trophy enters its knockout phase this week but in truth it is not a competition which gets the juices flowing until the Wembley final comes much closer into view.

Some fans have been boycotting the Trophy since top-level academy sides were allowed to gatecrash what has traditionally been a competition for the bottom two divisions in 2016. But even for those who do not, the prospect of midweek matches often featuring two under-strength sides, struggles to generate excitement.

It is something coach Hourihane will be conscious of when he sends his players out for the first of two cup ties this week.

"There was a big away following and a big crowd at Stockport then probably a smaller crowd at Port Vale because of the nature of the game so we have to create our own intensity and our own energy for that one," he warned.

"Then Peterborough (in the FA Cup on Saturday evening) will probably be a little bit more, just because the FA Cup probably brings a couple more fans.

"I think the attendances will be different so how we have to play the game will probably be a big message going into each game as well.

"It doesn't change how we approach the game but I think energy could take care of itself at Stockport when there's a big crowd, a big energy and a big following from our fans.

"I think then when you go to Port Vale and there's echoes in the stands and you can hear every shout because the crowds aren't as big then there's going to be a big message from me that we're going we have to create an intensity, we have to create an energy because the energy is not in the stands so it has to come from within."

To be playing in three different cup competitions in seven days comes at a good time for Barnsley with their squad strong, allowing people to prove their readiness for the busy December schedule.

"Everyone's going to be needed, everyone's going to get minutes and it will be up to them to be ready for the minutes because after Peterborough then we've got a decent stretch of league games," said Hourihane.

"Can people step in in the cup games and put in a performance to say, 'Don't forget about me in the league games'?

"I've already put that to them, to say that everyone's going to be needed over the seven days (from Stockport to Peterborough) and it's up to the players to put their hands up and perform well moving into Lincoln and Leyton Orient.

"The lads who are playing at the minute are doing great. It's up to them to keep the shirt. They've got people behind them like Didzy (David McGoldrick), Caylan Vickers, Philo (Adam Phillips), Nathan Ogbeta and Mael (de Gevingey) back fit.

"Hopefully Fabio (Jalo) will come into the equation in the next couple of weeks."