Reds: Desperate to "win it for Iain"

SIMON DAVEY says Barnsley are desperate to "win it for Iain" against Watford at Oakwell.

The Reds' chief insisted his players would need no extra incentive following the horrific injury suffered by £1.2m striker Iain Hume during last week's match against Sheffield United.

Hume was left hospitalised with a fractured skull following a challenge by United captain Chris Morgan, whose right elbow caught him a sickening blow.

The incident is the subject of an ongoing Football Association investigation and could result in legal action, with Barnsley's lawyers meeting Hume's representatives on Monday to discuss developments.

Davey said it was important his team put the episode to the back of their minds and focus on lifting the spirits of their stricken colleague in the best possible way – by claiming three points.

"Everyone will be desperate to win it for Iain, and that is what the lads will be concentrating on," said Davey.

"At the end of the day, the players are professional – they know that people get injured, that people get suspended, that people get transferred, and that it's a fact of life.

"I've got a group of players who will die for the cause week-in, week-out – not just if someone suffers a terrible injury.

"At the same time, when something like this does happen, it can certainly galvanise the group and act as a catalyst for a better level of performance."

Davey has challenged his men to embark on another good run, with Barnsley having won three and drawn one of their four games before the 2-1 defeat to their South Yorkshire rivals.

"Probably everyone's forgotten about what we did prior to last Saturday, which is understandable when you get the sort of incident that took place but now we need to string another good run together," he added.

"We had a fantastic October and started November with a good win and I've been really pleased with the way the players have applied themselves."