Phil Brown is readying his side for a tough, gritty battle against Barnsley at Oakwell this evening (KO 7.45pm).

Three points for the Tigers could see them go to the top of the Championship table, depending on the outcome of West Brom's trip to Wolves, but Brown knows securing a win won't be easy.

"The one thing I can predict about tonight is that we will be mentally and physically prepared for whatever is thrown at us," said Brown.

"It's going to be a battle of brawn and then hopefully the brain will come out after that.

"It might take 90 minutes to get the ball down tonight, but on the other hand it could also be an attractive game of football.

"We maybe need a step up in performance in terms of our fluency because that was lacking on Saturday, especially in the first half.

"We improved in the second half and that allowed us to create one or two chances. When they came along, we showed that we had a little bit of prowess to put one away.

"We'll need that bottle tomorrow night. Barnsley have reacted well since their defeat at Wembley and have shown that they have a lot of strength in depth.

"They have been without one of their most influential players, their captain who is into double figures for goals this season.

"They've managed to change their system and go to Watford and win 3-0. Then they've won 2-1 at Preston so we can't be taking anything for granted.

"They have a lot of strength in terms of character, but they need to know we have that as well. I want our strength to be on show tonight."

City will be without Richard Garcia (shoulder) tonight while Henrik Pedersen is a doubt with a hamstring problem.

But Brown is confident he has the quality in his squad to replace his wide men with Craig Fagan and Bryan Hughes set to deputise.

"There are plenty of candidates to come in and that is why we strengthened our squad before the season started.

"This is the stage when you have to look to use your squad. Tonight will show that."