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Robins backs Preece as Steele misses out
BARNSLEY boss Mark Robins will be without first-choice goalkeeper Luke Steele for tomorrow's home clash with Crystal Palace.
The Reds will also be missing defender Rob Kozluk, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Shot-stopper Steele was sent-off last Saturday as Robins side crashed to a 6-1 away defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park.
But Robins decided against appealing the decision because Steele could have had his ban increased to two matches.
"It was a very difficult one, but unfortunately we've got to suck the lemon," Robins told The Star.
"It's not fair and it's not right, but we've got to respect the referee's decision and abide by the rules.
"I feel for Luke because he's very, very disappointed. He's said he didn't touch their lad (Peter Lovenkrands) and he's been sent off.
"But we've got to move on from last Saturday and make sure we bounce back with a good result against Crystal Palace."
Palace were beaten 1-0 Bristol City on Tuesday night, while other results went the Reds way in the Championship with both Sheffield United and Cardiff City also having lost, and Doncaster having been held to a draw.
But despite their defeat, Robins believes the Eagles will still present a tough challenge for his side when they visit Oakwell tomorrow afternoon.
"It's up to us to show some character, the players know what I expect of them and the high standards we set," added Robins.
"They (Crystal Palace) got beat on Tuesday, but they've had a couple of decent results since Paul Hart took charge and he'll be wanting his side to bounce back. We're not going to have Luke, but we've got a more than capable replacement with David Preece.
"It was very difficult for him on Saturday because he came in cold and the first thing he was going was picking the ball out of the back of the net.
"He's a great lad though and he works his socks off in training.
"I've got no hesitation about playing him in tomorrow's match."
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
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