Barnsley Football Club News

• Nickname:The Tykes
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Keith Hill

• Ground:Oakwell
• Capacity:23,186

Howard cleared for Wembley

31 Mar 2008 - 13:38:02

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Barnsley skipper Brian Howard can breathe a sigh of relief after being cleared to play in the FA Cup semi-final against Cardiff City at Wembley.

The 25-year-old midfielder was dreading picking up a tenth booking of the season which would have triggered a two-match suspension, but he escaped in the 2-1 defeat at Burnley to ensure his participation against the Bluebirds.

Tykes boss Simon Davey told the Sheffield Star: "I think it was before the Liverpool game that he was hanging on nine bookings.

"I can't fault Brian. I could have left him out, he could have bought himself a booking earlier in the campaign, but he's been whole-hearted.

"He got a goal again at Burnley and he deserves the opportunity to lead the team out at Wembley.

"Brian has shown as the captain that he's desperate to lead us out at Wembley. I couldn't fault his attitude.

"He's put in last-ditch tackles, he's rallied the troops and has been leading from the front."