BRIAN Howard predicts a miserable start to Town's League One campaign today with the midfielder 'devastated' that he cannot take on his former colleagues.

A broken bone in his foot means the 22-year-old will be forced to watch from the Oakwell stands.

He knows that won't necessarily protect him from 'stick' in the away end but he points to the fact that he never asked to leave the County Ground in the first place.

Howard is still four or five weeks away from a return to action but feels his Oakwell colleagues are more than capable of beating Town without him.

He said: "It's going to be tight but I think we'll nick it.

"There's a real buzz around the place here, the pitch is looking great and with the crowd behind us I'm confident we can get a result.

"We've Stephen McPhail in midfield and he just oozes class. Paul Hayes and Danny Nardiello are looking very lively up front as well.

"I'm just devastated that I can't play in the game."

Howard knows that he will inevitably be jeered by some Town fans but hopes it won't be of a good-natured rather than unpleasant nature.

He said: "I don't know what the reception will be but I think people should remember it wasn't my choice to leave.

"Still, I've still got a lot of friends at the club. I spoke to Rory Fallon earlier in the week. I hope both teams have a successful season."

Howard admits that Tykes boss Andy Ritchie has sought his help in gaining the lowdown on Town's personnel, not that the youngster has been able to provide an extensive dossier on his old pals.

He said: "The gaffer here has asked me if I have an idea how Swindon will play and who might play where.

"It's difficult though because a lot of the boys moved on and Andy King has brought in the likes of Jamie Cureton and Tony Thorpe."

Just like King, Ritchie is urging his side to get off to a flying start.

He said: "A good start is vital, we want six points. A good start is what we didn't have last season.

"Swindon have signed a few players in the summer, they had to with so many leaving. The majority of their players will be new. But we've done our homework. I expect them to attack us.

"But we have to concentrate on what we're doing and that is attack with fervour and defend as we have done in pre-season."