Barnsley: Struber wants Reds to "sharp as knives" as he prepares for Oakwell bow

Today, the Austrian takes charge of his maiden match at Oakwell since succeeding Daniel Stendel, having lost his first two games at the helm.

Defeats on the road at Blackburn and Middlesbrough have left the Reds bottom of the table - eight points from safety.

The Tykes host a Hull side who are on the climb, currently sitting four points off the play-offs, and Struber knows his team needs to be on song.

“It is my first home game here in Barnsley and I hope the fans support my team and we have a good atmosphere and a top performance,” he said.

“I hope we are sharp like a knife, in our minds and thoughts, and it is very important we have a result at the end and we are smiling.

“We need a good plan, we need a good mindset to use our plan for 90 minutes, and we have a good chance that we win.

“When we have a good concentration, a good focus on our plans and our task, I think my team is good enough to win and have a good performance.”

Hull hammered Preston 4-0 on Wednesday night and have one of the best forwards in the Championship in their ranks.

Jarrod Bowen has scored four goals in his last two matches, taking his tally to 14 for the campaign.

“Tomorrow, we have an opponent with a clear plan, with also high quality individual players,” said Struber, who confirmed defender Aapo Halme could return from injury.

Struber added: “The most important thing is we need character, attitude and confidence.

“For us, it is very, very important. Our fans want to see this. This is the history of the people here in this town.

“They work hard and we will show that and it is our responsibility.”