Steven Schumacher insists that Barnsley are a “difficult” side to play against but believes his Wanderers side can cause the Tykes problems.
Schumacher was in attendance at Oakwell on Tuesday night as the Yorkshire outfit drew 2-2 against Northampton.
The head coach saw some good things from Conor Hourihane’s side, even though they were ultimately left disappointed not to take all three points.
“Northampton started the game really well, got an early goal and looked really dangerous and positive for 15 to 20 minutes. I think once the game settled down Barnsley showed the quality that they've got,” he told The Bolton News.
“They had some really good movement, some good patterns of play and got into some really dangerous areas. The wide players were a threat, Banks and Cleary were really good.
“McGoldrick was probably the best player on the pitch. What he's still doing at his age is full compliments to him, he's an unbelievable professional.
“They were a threat. They looked as though they could have scored more than two goals but didn't kill it off.
“Northampton nicked one with about 20 minutes to go and had a few other chances later on. It was an interesting game.”
It was a worthwhile trip for Schumacher and Mark Hughes, who have just about thawed out from their evening in South Yorkshire.
“It was so cold on our training ground, the coldest I think it's been since I've been here in a year,” the boss grinned.
“Didn't warm up, got changed quickly and went up to Barnsley and still didn't warm up. It took me until Wednesday afternoon I think to feel my toes again!
“There were quilts in the director’s box but me and Hughesy weren't brave enough to pick one up. We just sat there and tried to tough it out!”
Barnsley currently sit 14th in the table but have several games in hand still to make up on most of the sides above them.
For Bolton, it is a chance to build on their recent form and potentially gain ground on the automatic promotion spots.
“It's a good test for us,” Schumacher insisted. “There's a recent history there - two teams who have been up at the top end of the division consistently over the last few years - and they certainly know all about each other.
“We've done our preparation over the last few days and given the players all the information that they need.
“We know it will be a tough test for us but it's one that we are really looking forward to. They have got good footballers all over the pitch, they are one of the best passing teams in the division.
“The way Conor has them playing, it is expansive and it's really good to watch at times. It’s difficult to mark against.
“We are going to have our work cut out, but again we think we've got players in our squad that can hurt them.”
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