Leading scorer Brian Howard says Simon Davey’s decision to make him captain is one of the reasons why he is being talked about as one of the hottest properties outside the Premiership. The Reds midfielder admits he is in the form of his life after netting six goals and inspiring the side to a play-off position. “At this level, I have certainly not played better than I am doing right now,” he said. “A lot of people have always said I have the ability to play at the top level but said I haven’t done so because I have always been too small, too slow or not strong enough. “I have worked hard on this and although I am getting the plaudits, which is nice not just for me but for my family and for the club, as a team we have all been playing well which is why we are getting noticed.”

One of the reasons behind a string of top drawer performances is due to his new role as captain. The added pressure of wearing the armband has not affected him. “The captain’s armband gives you a lift. Sometimes you can let games pass you by but if you have the armband on you need to drive the team forward. “That can be by grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. I have done that in games against Bristol City, where I scored the first to set us on our way, or by getting the equaliser against Cardiff.” Having been voted last year’s supporters’ player of the year, it comes as no surprise to read national newspaper reports linking him to bigger clubs. But, as the 24-year-old admits, although it is pleasing, he has no immediate plans to leave Barnsley. He added: “As far as I am concerned, I have 18 months left on my contract and until someone comes in for me, or the manager decides I am no longer wanted, I am happy to be a Barnsley player. “It gives me more confidence (being linked to other clubs). There were reports of interest about me before the Bristol City game and that drove me forward. “I scored and played possibly my best game so far.”