Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber has hinted at changes in personnel, and formation, for tonight’s visit of Rovers.

The Reds dropped to the bottom of the table after a goalless draw with Millwall, but have however cut the gap to safety to four points.

That’s after an unbeaten return to action since the re-start and kept two clean sheets, a positive that Struber took from the Oakwell stalemate at the weekend.

He said: “This gives everyone a good feeling. Our defensive structure is very good.

“The boys have a very high focus but we need more control on the ball and to find more chances.

“My message to the fans is: cross your fingers for us and give us our energy from your home. The boys are absolutely in a fighting mood to climb out of their relegation zone. I think we have many games and we have a chance. We need a big energy from our supporters.” 

Struber’s first game in charge came against Rovers came in the reverse fixture at Ewood in November, a match Rovers snatched at the death.

Hinting at changes for tonight’s game, which could include a recall for 12-goal attacker Conor Chaplin, the Austrian said: “It is the right time for rotation. It’s maybe better to go back to the diamond so we are more clear.”

Rovers arrive at Oakwell looking to respond to their weekend defeat at Wigan.

They have operated with a 4-3-3 formation in their two matches since the re-start, and Struber sees a good mix between technical and physical play.

He added: “Blackburn have, from a physical side a very good team especially (Sam) Gallagher, but also they have, with (Lewis) Holtby, players with very good technical skills who can play very good on the ground. They showed me more football.

“They have the chance to get into the promotion places and they will fight for that. We have a clear plan and I have a very good feeling that we can win if everyone is ready and on his personal limit.” 

Struber replaced Daniel Stendel in the Barnsley hotseat in November and has helped the team to five clean sheets in seven matches to boost their survival hopes.

On what he’s learned during his time in charge, he told the Barnsley Chronicle: “A lot. The Championship is a tough league, and every team can win against every team. This is a special situation. No team ever gives up and every team is fighting.

“The other big learning for me is set pieces. We have to have a good plan in attacking and defending set pieces. This was a big issue before my time and in the first few months of my responsibility. We have made a big step and now it is not easy to score goals against us from set pieces.”