Barnsley: James Bree out to stay fit for Reds fight

The 18-year-old has already been plagued by hamstring injuries during his short Barnsley career.

The talented teenager has recently come back into the side after being on the sidelines for eight games following yet another hamstring niggle, picked up against Huddersfield Town.

The right-back is looking to keep himself fit in order to continue his development.

“It’s been an up and down season so far for me again, fitness wise,” admitted Bree.

“It set me back a bit again, which is annoying.

“I seem to get a run in the side and then I get injured.

“I started the season well I thought, I had a little run in the team and then I picked up the injury.

“I’ve had a few problems with my hamstring since I was younger. I’m used to it now but it’s still quite annoying.

“I’m feeling good at the minute and hopefully I can stay fit now for as long as possible.”

Bree has been undergoing rehab with club physiotherapist Craig Sedgwick and has been given a specific programme to help manage his workload.

He added: “I’ve been working with Sedge again and I think I’ve got to a place where I’m feeling quite strong and obviously got myself back into the team again.

“Obviously I’m still growing and Sedge tells me it’s nothing serious.

“I need to keep following my program, keep strengthening my hamstrings and hopefully I’ll be fine in the long run.”

The Reds host former boss Lee Johnson and his Bristol City side later today and Bree could be in line to start in central midfield alongside Sam Morsy with Josh Scowen and captain Conor Hourihane both suspended.

The Robins have lost their last two trips on the road with a raucous atmosphere expected at Oakwell.

The fans have thoroughly got behind the side, on their return to the Championship, and stuck by them during their recent six-game wait for a win.

Bree beamed “The atmosphere around the place is fantastic. Oakwell has been bouncing.

“The fans have been quality and they’ve been travelling in bulk away as well.

“They’ve been really good on our away days so the atmosphere’s been great which really helps us as players, that backing.

“I know it’s a cliché but it’s true. We really do feel their support and all the lads in the dressing room appreciate it.”