Barnsley defender Toby Sibbick confident Tykes can cement play-off spot against Reading

It’s fifth versus sixth at Oakwell as Valérien Ismaël’s side welcome the Royals, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

And, with eight games to go, Barnsley have a five-point advantage on Bournemouth in seventh, who have a fixture in hand.

Sibbick, 21, said: “We take it one game at a time. We have a big game tomorrow and if we win that we put some more distance between them and anyone else chasing.

“They have a lot of talent but we have stopped teams like that before so we have nothing to fear from them or anyone else. We’re excited to get out there and show what we can do.”

The Tykes, who played six times in 17 days last month, saw their 10-game unbeaten streak – which included nine wins – come to an end against Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

Ismaël blamed that defeat on tiredness – and Sibbick, who has made 18 appearances for Barnsley this season, said the team is ready to go again after the international break, which saw Daryl Dike and Michał Helik represent the United States and Poland respectively.

The ex-AFC Wimbledon youngster added: “Against Sheffield Wednesday in our last game, our intensity was lacking a little I think because of the schedule we had. But we feel refreshed now.

“The boys are in a good mood in camp right now. Training has been good. We are all confident of getting on another good run and finishing the season well, starting Friday night against Reading.”