Barnsley boss pleased with the depth of his squad after Oldham victory

Stendel made 10 changes to his side for the Group F opener at Oldham as they came from behind to win 2-1 on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Victor Adeboyejo and George Moncur.

With Adam Davies and Kenny Dougall away on international duty for this weekend's clash with Walsall, there will be some shirts up for grabs.

And the German reckons several of his players put themselves in the frame.

'It is a good chance to play for all players and it is a good chance to show us they can play every week when we think about the first XI,' he said. 'Three or four players showed they can play on Saturday.

'We have injured players and players on international duty and it is good to see that and it is a difficult decision for us on Saturday.'

New signing Mike Bahre is one of those who is knocking on the door after an impressive debut.

The deadline-day arrival only trained with his team-mates for the first time on Monday but showed enough during his 73 minutes to suggest he will add quality to the Reds' ranks.

'It was a good start. I spoke with him before the game,' Stendel said of his compatriot.

'All is new for him and he only trained on Monday with the team and it is not too easy.

'He played good and I know he can play better and I think he can help us in the season and I have a big trust in him. I've known him six years and I am happy that he is in Barnsley.'

Meanwhile, Stendel has surprisingly been overlooked for August's League One Manager of the Month award.

Despite leading his side to three wins and two draws in the opening month of the campaign, the 44-year-old has not even been nominated for the gong.

Defender Dimitri Cavare has been listed as a candidate for the Player of the Month award, though, and will find out on Friday if he has won.