Teenage Reds goalkeeper Jack Walton insists he will be ready to deputise for Adam Davies should he be needed in tomorrow's derby at Sheffield Wednesday.

The 19-year-old has been recalled from his loan spell with Stalybridge Celtic and is expected to be on the bench after Nick Townsend was loaned to National League side Solihull Moors for an initial month, making his debut on Tuesday. Townsend – who lives near Solihull and is rated highly at Oakwell but has not played for two years – needed first team football ahead of a potentially permanent move in January.

The Reds have a 24-hour recall clause for 22-year-old Townsend, who has played ten matches for them, and will bring him back should number one Davies' current run of 104 successive starts be ended by suspension or injury. They have also had former France under 18, Blackburn Rovers and St Mirren goalkeeper Christopher Dilo on trial, but it is Walton who is expected to replace Davies if necessary in tomorrow's derby.

Walton joined the Oakwell academy from his hometown club Bolton Wanderers as a 15-year-old. He first took his place on the Reds bench aged 16 at Bristol City in March 2015 when an injury crisis meant the Reds had to bring in Sheffield Wednesday's Joe Wildsmith who is likely to be sitting a few yards away from Walton on the home bench tomorrow. Walton was also an unused substitute for several other first team matches but the last 104 Reds games have seen Davies start with Townsend on the bench.

Walton told the Chronicle: "It's a great opportunity for me to be around the first team and to learn a lot. The Wednesday game will be a really good experience. I know what it means to Barnsley fans and the players and it will be great to be a part of, especially if we go there and win. Davo has been really good with me and helped me a lot. I am just going to support him the best I can and make sure that, if I am needed, then I am ready and it is not a shock and I just come on and do a good job.

"It's my target to play in the first team eventually and I am working hard towards that every day. You have to be more patient as a goalkeeper than an outfield player but I am willing to do that. I have seen the likes of Mason Holgate, James Bree and John Stones come through the academy and do really well and I want to do that as well."