Barnsley dealt a big blow

Barnsley have been dealt a massive blow for their run-in to the end of the season as captain Stephen Foster has been ruled out with a reoccurrence of a hernia problem.

The 28-year-old`s operation to fix the problem appears to have been aggravated in recent fixtures, and the Tykes are set to fight against relegation without their influential skipper.

Since Foster`s return, the Reds have kept back-to-back clean sheets against Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton, picking up four points along the way.

Veteran centre-back, Darren Moore is ruled out of this weekend`s clash with QPR, leaving only Dennis Souza as the only natural central defender.

Unless Barnsley manager Simon Davey can perform a miracle in the loan-market, Reds fans may see utility-man Bobby Hassell move into the centre, with Rob Kozluk reclaiming his spot at right-back.