Mattis out 3 months

The Barnsley midfielder sustained the injury during Friday's goalless draw at Tranmere Rovers and manager Simon Davey understands he will be sidelined for around three months.

"Dwayne has suffered a fractured fibula and will be in a cast for the foreseeable future," he said.

News of Mattis' predicament, which was confirmed when the League One club sent him for X-rays over the weekend, is a blow to both the player and his employers who had hoped his spell in the Midlands would help force him back into first-team contention.

The 26-year-old made four appearances for Walsall, helping them to three wins and a draw in the process, and had been expected to challenge for a position in Davey's plans as a result.

Barnsley reported back for training yesterday after being granted time off by Davey and his staff during the international break.

"We wanted to carry on and keep playing," said Davey, whose side face Burnley on Saturday. "We want to keep our run going but the lads needed a rest."

Goalkeeper Kyle Letheren has been called-up for Wales' under-21 clash with Malta at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground tomorrow.

Former Barnsley player John Deehan has been sacked by Lincoln City following the club's poor start to the season.

Deehan, who was also Steve Bruce's assistant at Sheffield United, had been director of football at Sincil Bank.

Bryan Robson is considering an audacious loan move for Gary Speed as he attempts to reverse Sheffield United's poor start to the season.

Robson today pledged to press ahead with his search for midfield reinforcements following his yesterday's capture of Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley.

Robson has made the position top priority as he seeks to address the problems which have contributed to United's difficulties in the league.

Speed, 38, is believed to be among the names under consideration following his decision to resign his coaching position with Bolton Wanderers.

Despite being among the favourites for promotion, Robson's team have struggled to adapt to life in the Championship and will start Saturday's match against Preston North End in 20th position.

Acutely aware of the need to inject a dash of creativity into a squad high on industry but, on current evidence, low on invention, Robson knows he is facing possibly the most important choice of his brief but eventful reign at Bramall Lane.

Despite failing to lure Bolton duo Ivan Campo and Stelios to South Yorkshire, the United manager has steadfastly refused to lower the criteria he uses to assess would-be recruits and while he admits identifying realistic targets has proved to be "problematic" he is confident of a second breakthrough in the loan market.