Robert Atkinson could play a big part in Barnsley manager Simon Davey's first-team plans next season.

Atkinson spent last term on loan at Rochdale and then Grimsby, but Davey has urged the 21-year-old to make the breakthrough at Oakwell.

Davey told the club's official website: "We have no plans to let Robert go out anywhere at the moment. He's one of four central defenders we have in our squad and has the same chance as everybody to stake a claim this summer.

"We have Darren Moore, Stephen Foster, Dennis Souza and Robert all fighting for those positions.

"If someone came in to take Robert on loan later in the season we would obviously look at the offer on its merits, but he has a big chance to prove he should stay here and be involved in the first team."

Meanwhile, Kayode Odejayi and Jamal Campbell-Ryce have returned to Oakwell from international duty with Nigeria and Jamaica respectively, but will not figure in the friendlies against Buxton or Glossop.