Barnsley's former Doncaster Rovers loanee on old pals' catch-ups + "ridiculous" former teammate

Rovers make the short trip across South Yorkshire for a juicy derby as they seek revenge following a 2-1 defeat in the reverse tie last November. Kelly, who played his part in Rovers' League Two title win last season whilst on loan from West Ham, provided an assist for what proved to be the winner that day. Whilst he is looking to help his new employers seal a derby double, Grant McCann's men are gunning for what would be a first league win at Oakwell since 2010.

"I'm looking forward to it. Obviously I enjoyed the last one so hopefully it'll be a similar outcome," beamed the Northern Irishman. "They're in decent form and got a good result at Bolton (midweek draw). They'll bring a good crowd and I think it'll be an energetic game and I'm looking forward to it. I'm still very close with some of them and have been meeting up with some of them recently."

One of Kelly's close associates during his stay at the Eco-Power Stadium was fellow midfielder Owen Bailey. The Rovers skipper has been the stand-out performer - by some distance - this term thanks to combative engine room performances and an eye-watering return of 15 goals in all competitions.

So is Kelly surprised? "Not one bit," he said. "I feel like I'm texting him every Saturday saying 'there's no way you've scored again?!'

"He keeps scoring and getting himself in the right places. That's what he's like. He's fit and didn't miss a minute last season. I don't think he's missed much this season either and that in itself is ridiculous, never mind the goalscoring form he's in.

"He's a really good example. He really helped me last year and he was my captain and I enjoyed playing with him in midfield but obviously I'm against him now."