Paul Heckingbottom insists the Reds are not thinking about the Championship table or the possibility of another play-off campaign despite being just two places off the top six.

Barnsley have won five of their last seven matches, losing just one – after a run of one win in 11 – and are now eighth, four points off the play-off places and 14 clear of the relegation zone.

They are just one point behind their total at the end of their last Championship campaign, when they were relegated in 2013/14, while one more victory will give them 41 points which would have kept them up in each of the last two Championship seasons.

Heckingbottom told the Chronicle: "The league position has no impact on us at all. We've been higher than eighth this season and then we went on a bad run and people were saying how bad a run we were on. We just ignore everybody and focus on what we're doing. We want to keep this form going as long as we can.

"There will be other challenges to come I am sure but we just have to keep pushing and keep working hard."

He added: "After a couple of games this season I knew we shouldn't be concerned and that we would be fine. Then it was just a case of maintaining it and getting better. We're close to what we have been trying to achieve but the next step is to get even better.

"I honestly don't know where we'll finish. But, if the application and effort stays the same, there's no reason why we can't finish where we are or higher."

The Reds boss is delighted that his side are providing regular victories for the supporters. He said: "We enjoy every win, that's what the game is about.  We really work hard during the week and the players give absolutely everything. The fans are loving what they are seeing from their Barnsley team. The players have got to be proud of what they are doing."