Barnsley look to keep midweek run going under boss Paul Heckingbottom

The Reds are yet to lose a midweek league fixture since Heckingbottom took over the reigns at Oakwell from Lee Johnson back in February.

The youthful nature of the squad helps their recovery for back-to-back games, which has already been shown this season with wins against Championship big hitters Queens Park Rangers and Wolves.

“We’ve definitely done well Tuesday nights since I’ve been in charge,” said Heckingbottom, who led the club to duel Wembley honours last term.

“We really enjoy the Tuesday nights home and away. The boys have been fantastic at it and long may it continue.

“I’ve not really thought about the reason why we’re good at midweek games but we just ask for the same in every game from the players.

“It doesn’t matter what day you’re playing if you get the basics right and that’s what we try to do in every game we play.”

The Reds have some tough fixtures around the corner once they get back from the international break. Two home games in four days against former Premier League stalwarts Fulham and Newcastle United are followed by a tough trip to Brentford before Johnson returns to Oakwell with Bristol City.

Heckingbottom is well aware of the threats that every single team in the Championship possesses and he is adamant every game in this league is just as hard as the next. Results are the most important thing in football but after picking up just a solitary point out of a possible 12 before the international break, Heckingbottom is focused on making sure the performances are as good as they can be.

“I keep saying it but sometimes we’ll do really well in games and they’ll be nothing we can do and we’ll lose,” admitted Heckingbottom.

“But as long as we perform as we know we can and do what we’re trying to do.

“If we perform fantastically well and get beat at least we’ve done our part then.

“When we don’t bring our own game and there are lots of things missing from it that’s when we’re disappointed.

“We’re not going to have a go at somebody making a mistake on the ball but we will have a go at someone who doesn’t get on the ball and lacks that energy and drive.”