Cureton set for impact at Barnsley

JAMIE Cureton has been tipped to make an instant impact on Barnsley's season.

The veteran striker will make his debut against Nottingham Forest today after arriving on a three-month loan deal from Norwich City.

Manager Simon Davey, who swooped after the loss of Iain Hume with a fractured skull, said: "We needed to ensure we have the firepower to maintain our excellent run and Jamie is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a proven goalscorer at this level and if he gets the opportunity then he will normally put it into the back of the net."

Barnsley have made a rapid climb up the Championship – winning six out of the last 10 league games. Another victory today against bottom-of-the-table Forest could lift the Tykes into the top half.

The loss of winger Martin Devaney for eight weeks with damaged ankle ligaments is a major setback, but the Tykes will be boosted by the return of Anderson De Silva after a three-match ban.

Although Forest are bottom after winning just one of their last 16 games, Davey is refusing to take anything for granted at the City Ground.

"Everyone will be looking at this and saying we are the favourites, but they are fighting for their lives and we know this is going to be tough," said Davey.

Forest manager Colin Calderwood has admitted his job is on the line with both Billy Davies and Sam Allardyce being touted as possible replacements.

"I don't want to relinquish it too easily," said Calderwood. "But I think we'll get a good response from the players and if we get a victory we're moving forward again."

Published Date: 29 November 2008
By Ian Appleyard
Nottingham Forest v Barnsley