Opinion: Why Valerien Ismael needs to be decisive with the goalkeeping dilemma that he currently faces

Barnsley FC have been one of the surprise packages in the Championship so far this season and are currently on an excellent run of form that has seen them win their last three league outings, and made them shock candidates for a playoff place.

The Tykes have shown remarkable consistency in recent times under French boss Valerien Ismael, who has made an excellent start to life in South Yorkshire since replacing the outgoing Gerhard Struber at the helm back in October of last year.

Barnsley host Stoke City tonight with a huge incentive on the table, knowing a victory would see them leapfrog their opponents tomorrow and potentially move within a single point of the top six.

A team overachieving, Barnsley owe a great deal of their current success to a handful of players such as Cauley Woodrow, Alex Mowatt and towering Polish defender Michał Helik who have been instrumental for the South Yorkshire based side so far this campaign, and have all featured prominently under the tutelage of Ismael.

However, Barnsley’s head coach is currently facing one dilemma with his team selections and it’s a critical one too, who gets the nod in goals for the Reds.

Academy graduate Jack Walton had been the undisputed number one for the Tykes up until recent times, but has since lost his position in the team to former Chelsea youngster Brad Collins, who was the backup at Oakwell.

A key factor in Barnsley’s recent run of form, Collins has started every game for Barnsley in both the League and  Cup since the Tykes defeat at Watford over a month ago now in which Walton started, and is quickly emerging as the new number one choice behind the sticks for Ismael.

With some really impressive performances over recent times Collins is well deserving of his run of games in the Barnsley starting line-up, but with a potential spot in the Playoffs on the cards it’s vital Ismael is decisive with who will be his undisputed number one between now and the end of the season, as it’s a position where it’s crucial to be consistent in your selection.

As things stand, Collins is expected to continue to get the nod for Barnsley’s upcoming fixtures, and it’s clear he’s made a real impression on Head Coach Ismeal. But with the big encounters coming thick and fast, Barnsley’s French boss must now ask himself who will get a consistent run in the team between now and the end of the season, otherwise Barnsley may risk throwing away their playoff credentials. So who will it be, Walton or Collins?