Swansea City v Barnsley: Injuries will mean Hill’s youngsters make bow

The injury-ravaged Reds are reeling after a 5-1 Championship drubbing at Brighton.

With Hill’s options seriously limited again, he may have no option but to play a fledgling side with the likes of Jordan Clark and Danny Rose likely to be in the fray this evening.

Luke Steele, David Perkins, Matty Done, Paul Digby, Jim McNulty, Mido, Toni Silva and Jim O’Brien remain on the injured list, although goalkeeper Ben Alnwick is available again after a three-match ban.

While still hoping to spring a surprise against Michael Laudrup’s side, who have produced some scintillating football in firing eight goals without reply in successive Premiership victories over West Ham and QPR, Hill is realistic enough to accept progress tonight may be too tall an order.

Hill, who says selecting a side for the clash in Wales is proving a ‘massive headache’, said: “We might have to play a large percentage of the youth team (at Swansea).

“I’ve spoken to Patrick (Cryne) and he’s enthusiastic about the competition and wants to try and win the Swansea game. But he’s also realistic as to our options, in respect to the injuries we have.

“There’s certain sacrifices I’m going to have to make and that will mean possibly losing games. Let’s be honest, we are going to lose games this season. But we’ve got to lose them to learn and get better; you can lose in the right way.

“We are probably, in an ideal world, three weeks away from getting our squad back on the training pitch and the Blackpool game (on September 15) should be the right one for three to five players being back and available.”

Hill says Steele is making steady progress in his rehabiliation work following a hernia injury sustained in pre-season.

He said: “Luke is actively training, although he hasn’t done too much kicking.

“He’s looked good, especially with shot-saving and one-on-ones. But the biggest obstacle Luke has to overcome is really kicking through the ball some distance and making sure his distribution is up to scratch.”

Swansea youngster Ben Davies is set for his first start after making his debut off the bench at the weekend and Kemy Agustien is set to feature in midfield.

But record signing Ki Sung-yueng – still awaiting international clearance following his move from Celtic – is expected to miss out.

Last six games: Swansea WWWLDD, Barnsley LLWWDL.

Last time: Swansea City 1 Barnsley 0; December 28, 2010; Championship.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).