VIDEO: Barker lays down challenge for youngsters

He highlighted the role of the several youth players who finished the game.

He said: “They did everything we have asked them to do and they are getting fitter by the day.

“It was warm enough in the shade never mind running about in the sun. It was the hottest day of the year and they coped extremely well with it. Once dehydration kicks in there’s every chance you can pick up little knocks and niggles so it was pleasing we only picked up one injury.

“I was disappointed with some of the tackles in the first half which was partly because we were playing quite well. There were tackles you don’t usually see in pre-season games.”

“The youth players need to take this opportunity to show us they can play at the next level and its a rare opportunity in League 1 having youth players playing. There’s no point them going through the motions because we might be needing somebody at some point. Bradley Isaacs is technically able to deal with the ball and he certainly wants it. They’ve got a long way to go physically and technically. Some of them are only 16.

“Vince Day only left shcool a couple of weeks ago so for him to play against a Championship side, he’s come a long way.”