Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk has ‘no qualms’ about starting Jack Stevens against Barnsley with Vicente Reyes away on international duty

Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk has insisted that he has ‘no qualms’ about starting Jack Stevens during tomorrow’s League One home encounter against Barnsley.

Stevens was Cambridge’s number one goalkeeper last term with a total of 36 appearances in all competitions following his arrival from Oxford United in the summer of 2023.

However, Monk has opted to hand on-loan Vicente Reyes the gloves this season, with Stevens limited to three outings in cup competitions.

The 27-year-old made goal-punished errors in encounters against Queens Park Rangers and Bromley, but with Reyes away on international duty with the senior Chile squad, Stevens is set to be given the nod for the visit of the Tykes this weekend.

“Jack’s an experienced player. I’ve had good discussions with Jack across the season and he’s a top pro. He trains hard and he works hard,” said Monk.

“Part of the life of any player is sometimes you’re playing games and sometimes you’re not.

“But Jack has got on with it really well and I’m really pleased with him. He came back in for the Chelsea game (in the EFL Trophy), got himself a clean sheet and performed really well. He has to use that experience and go and perform.

“Jack will be ready and there’s no qualms from me on that side of it. He’s in a situation, he’s dealt with it really well and I’m looking forward to seeing him perform on Saturday.”

Stevens last started a league fixture for the U’s on 16 March.