Barnsley boss Neill Collins has labelled Reading an 'exceptional young group' ahead of tomorrow's meeting at Oakwell.

The first third-tier meeting between the sides in South Yorkshire for over 40 years, the last four meetings at Barnsley have ended 1-1.

Winning 3-1 at the SCL Stadium before Christmas, the Tykes are looking to return to the Championship after losing in a dramatic play-off final last time out.

A win for Reading, twinned with favourable results, could mathematically secure survival after Tuesday's 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

However, Barnsley have lost their last two matches and are fighting to stay in the play-offs.

"They've probably gone under the radar in terms of some of their better results because of the points deductions," Collins told the club media. "Their manager has done a really good job and they're an exceptional young group. 

"They have a lot of attacking talent, that's their biggest strength."

"So another tough proposition on Saturday but as you can imagine, we're very focused on ourselves and what we need to do."

Almost 1,000 Royals are expected to make the trip up to follow the team for the penultimate away fixture of the season.