Devaney, the interim manager of Barnsley, discusses the upcoming second leg against Bolton Wanderers.

Barnsley’s interim manager Martin Devaney believes that securing an early goal is crucial to putting Bolton Wanderers “on the back foot” in their upcoming match.

Having taken over managerial duties for the last few games following Neill Collins’ dismissal, Devaney emphasizes the importance of his players approaching the game with confidence. Acknowledging the errors that proved costly in the first leg at Oakwell, where Bolton gained a two-goal advantage, Devaney stresses the need for self-belief.

“We need to have faith in ourselves,” Devaney expressed to Barnsley Chronicle. “Our away performance has been outstanding this season, and that momentum can transition well into Tuesday’s match.”

Recognizing Bolton as a formidable opponent who narrowly missed out on a top-two finish, Devaney plans to stick to a similar game plan but emphasizes the necessity of an early goal to shift momentum. He urges his team to minimize mistakes and adopt an attacking approach against their opponents.

Despite being the underdogs with a 3-1 deficit, Devaney remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from Sheffield Wednesday’s remarkable comeback against Peterborough in the previous season’s playoffs. Refusing to concede defeat, he reminds his team that the tie is only halfway through and emphasizes the potential for dramatic turnarounds in playoff scenarios.

Encouraging his players to remain resilient, Devaney instills confidence by urging them to stay focused, resilient, and prepared to fight until the final whistle. He believes that an early goal could transform the game into an intense battle, reminiscent of their encounter earlier in the season where the points were shared after Zac Ashworth’s equalizer canceled out Devante Cole’s opener.