Reds defender Darren Moore is on his way back to full fitness after tearing his groin in the 2-1 win over Watford on the 15th November. Moore limped out of that game in the 16th minute and has missed the games with Preston, Burnley and Nottingham Forest since. But now the 34-year-old is ready to step up his rehab and could come back into contention for the trip to table-toppers Wolves on the 13th December.
Reds physio Matt Konopinksi told
www.barnsleyfc.co.UK:"Darren is progressing as we would expect following his groin injury. Darren should have started running again by the time we play Reading and he will also be able to start some strengthening work in the gym".
Meanwhile West Ham United's England international goal-keeper Robert Green is expecting a tough task when the Reds travel to Upton Park for an FA Cup Third Round clash on Saturday 3rd January.
Green who has kept clean sheets in each of his last three games told www.whufc.com:
"It is good to have a home draw, especially at this early stage of the competition. It will be a tough match though, as Barnsley beat the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea last season in the FA Cup to reach the semi-finals, so they will be a team to look out for.
"The FA Cup is great to be involved in. It's a break from league action and can bring up some interesting fixtures and results. Hopefully we can do well and enjoy a good run in the cup this season."
West Ham have won the FA Cup three times, the last time being 1980. They were knocked out in a Third Round replay by Manchester City last season as Barnsley roared onto the Semi-Finals. The two sides have only met once before in the FA Cup- in 1993 when both sides were in the First Division (Championship) and The Reds ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at Oakwell.
Before this seasons tie, West Ham face Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Stoke in the Premier League, whilst Barnsley will meet Reading, Swansea, Wolves, Plymouth, Burnley and Preston in the Championship