'Won't be available' – Barnsley man ruled out as Conor Hourihane shares update ahead of Cambridge United clash
03/21/2025 05:06 AM
Barnsley’s interim boss Conor Hourihane has said Jackson Smith is out for the ‘foreseeable’ with his hamstring injury.
Barnsley have been left short of options between the sticks with Aston Villa loanee Joe Gauci also unavailable. The Tykes are set to hand Kieren Flavell his full debut this weekend.
They take on Cambridge United at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon as they look to return to winning ways. The South Yorkshire outfit are currently sat in 10th in the table and are nine points off the play-offs with nine fixtures left to play this season.
In this latest selection update, Hourihane has said, as per a report by the Barnsley Chronicle: “Jacko is struggling a little bit. He probably won’t be available for the foreseeable. Joe is a couple of weeks away yet and still doing his rehab at Villa. They won’t be up for selection for a couple of weeks.”
Barnsley injury latest regarding Jackson Smith
Not having Smith available is a blow for Barnsley but provides Flavell with a great opportunity to show what he can do.
The Tykes landed Smith last summer to add more competition and depth to their goalkeeping department.
He has since made 13 appearances in all competitions in this campaign, six of which have come in the league.
The 23-year-old was loaned out to Grimsby Town earlier in this term and played six games for the League Two club.
Smith penned a four-year deal when he joined Barnsley, with the club holding the option of a further 12 months on top of that.
At the time, he said: “I’m so excited, honestly, it’s the only way I can put it into words. When a club of this size comes in and shows their interest in you – it’s just pure excitement. I can’t wait to get out there, meet everyone, and show what I am about.”
Smith rose up through the ranks at Wolves and progressed up through the academy of the Midlands outfit. He went on to play once for the Premier League club.
Kettering Town and Walsall came calling for him as a youngster and he had temporary spells with the pair away from Molineux to get some experience.
The latter snapped him up permanently afterwards and he played 30 times for them before his switch to Barnsley.
What now for Barnsley?
The Tykes have lost their last three outings on the spin and need to beat Cambridge United.
Hourihane has been placed in caretaker charge until a permanent replacement for Darrell Clarke is sounded out.
For more Barnsley news direct to your phone, CLICK HERE to download our mobile app!
The post ‘Won’t be available’ – Barnsley man ruled out as Conor Hourihane shares update ahead of Cambridge United clash appeared first on The72 - Football League News.
