THERE will be no room for sentiment when Brian Howard runs out at St Mary's with Barnsley today.

After several years in the Saints youth ranks, the 24-year-old returns to St Mary's for the first time as an opposition player.

The Barnsley midfielder will be watched by several members of his family, including his 11-year-old cousin Matthew Targett, today's Saints mascot.

Also in the crowd will be parents Billy and Linda, younger brother John, and Brian's girlfriend Claire.

Ten of his former schoolfriends from Alderman Quilley, Eastleigh, have also hired an executive box.

Howard played in the 2-2 draw against Saints at Oakwell back in August, but will be playing at St Mary's tomorrow for the first time since his last game for his hometown club's reserve side four years ago.

Howard, who says that Championship survival will rank as a successful season for the Tykes, explained: "We're getting to the business end of the season and it's going to be a tough game because both sides need to pick up points, albeit for different reasons."

See the full story in today's Daily Echo.