Barnsley defender Mawson knows Shrewsbury clash is huge for the Reds

A victory over the Shrews, who the Reds face at New Meadow, would open up the gap between them at the wrong end of League One.

And 21-year-old centre-back Mawson knows a victory away from home, which would be the Reds’ first away to the Shrews since a 3-2 win on New Year’s Eve in 1988, would see the club make it four games unbeaten.

“It’s a massive game for us,” said Mawson. “We’re in a similar position in the table so they’ll be well up for it. It puts in into context how important a game it is for both teams.

“Our results have started to pick up and we’ve started to move our way up the table.

“We have a chance to open up the gap up on them and I think three points would be great for us to climb up the table.

“It was only a matter of time before things started to click and we got that little bit of luck that we needed and deserved.

“Psychologically, if we do win it will help and it will help us in expressing ourselves more, instead of having a doubt in our minds that we’re on the back foot and we have to get a result.

“Confidence is high in the camp at the moment – and I think you can see that.”

Meanwhile, new signing Josh Brownhill is relishing the chance to make an impact at Oakwell.

The 20-year-old Preston North End central midfielder has joined the Reds on an initial one-month loan deal – and it’s little surprise he wants to make big strides in South Yorkshire.

“I’m really happy to have signed for the club, it was a no-brainer. Barnsley is a great club, with big ambitions.

“I spoke to Ben when he came to Preston and he said it was great. He enjoyed everything and his time at the club.

“He said to me it would be a good chance for me to play football, so I jumped at the chance.

“I’ll work hard for the team and I give 100 per cent in everything I do. And hopefully I’ll score some goals while I’m here.

“The club have done really well in their last three games and picked their form up – and I’m here to help them continue that.

“It’s always nerve-racking coming into a new environment, but the lads have been great and helped me settle in really quickly.”