Reds' rivals have never Ad' it better!

Adkins is excelling in his first job in management. His side have been defeated just six times in 37 games in all competitions. It’s enough to trigger alarm bells all around Oakwell.

Said Davey: “They’ve had a fantastic start - they are still running on the adrenaline of winning the league last season.

“They drew away at Charlton and beat Sheffield United at home when nobody would have given them a chance of getting anything.

“They are a good side that need to be watched. It’s not a home banker and we are going to have to work hard to get the win.”

Barnsley are searching for back-to-back wins at Oakwell for the first time this season when they tackle the newly-promoted visitors, and midfield veteran Andy Johnson echoed his manager’s pre-match warning.

“They have a made a great start to the season,” Johnson said. “Winning is like a habit and when you get promoted you have won a lot of games.

“Scunthorpe are fresh and excited about playing in a higher division and have got a good squad of players.

“We have signed a lot of players who are still gelling and getting to know each other. But we will go into the game positive that we can get a result.”

Scunthorpe expect to make one change to the team that defeated Sheffield United at Glandford Park two weeks ago. Right-back Cliff Byrne was sent off following a bust-up with Derek Geary. He is suspended.

Kelly Youga is poised to replace him with Marcus Williams returning as left-back.

Scunthorpe’s last visit to Oakwell was two season’s ago. Goals from Martin Devaney, Bobby Hassell, Marc Richards, Chris Shuker and Paul Hayes brought Barnsley a 5-2 victory.

Only Hayes looks certain to play tomorrow as he returns to Barnsley for the first time since his summer move to Scunthorpe.