Stanton back for Barnsley visit

Last updated : 13 January 2004 By Luke Thornhill
20-year-old Butler has firmly established himself as a first team regular this season, even attracting scouts from Tottenham and Aston Villa, but will miss the visit of Barnsley with an ankle injury picked up in the closing stages of Saturday's defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Iron manager Brian Laws has two options - to bring Stanton back into the centre of defence with Wayne Graves continuing to deputise at right-back and Jamie McCombe on the bench, or bring McCombe into the side at centre-back and give Stanton his regular right-back berth again.


Peter Beagrie, who provided United's biggest threat during the original tie at Oakwell, will also miss the match.

Lee Featherstone will continue to deputise, but he is also a doubt with a cut to his head.

United have failed to find the back of the net in the last four matches, but Laws will keep faith with the striking partnership of Steve Torpey and Steve MacLean.

Iron manager Brian Laws has promised a more attacking performance from the side tonight, having seen the side go four games without scoring a goal.

The Tykes will welcome back midfielder Steve Hayward after suspension, with cup-tied Paul Warhurst dropping out of the side.

Captain Peter Handyside will miss out again through injury, but could find himself drafted on to the bench.

The winner of tonight's tie, which could go to extra-time or a penalty shootout, will travel to Premiership club Portsmouth in the Fourth Round on January 24.