CONOR Hourihane is ‘delighted’ with Barnsley’s first month of the season.

The Reds played eight games in August, taking 13 points from six League One fixtures and reaching the third round of the EFL Cup.

Following the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday, they will have two weeks without a game as their match at Stevenage has been called off due to international call-ups.

The first team squad is thought to have trained for the early part of this week as normal but will have some extra time off over the weekend.

They will return next week to prepare for the game at home to Reading on September 13.

Head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I am delighted.

“The lads have been put through a lot of minutes because it’s not the biggest of squads.

“The cup gave us extra games.

“Davo (Davis Keillor-Dunn) and one or two others have had to play every game.

“We’ve been trying to manage knocks.

“The lads have given me everything and they deserve some days off now.”

Barnsley are unbeaten at home this season, having only won league six games there last season.

Hourihane said: “There is energy around the place and the fans are enjoying the games.

“I was speaking to Marc Roberts while the lads were warming up (on Saturday) and he said, when you made player appearances last season it was tough and people were moaning and groaning, but this year people are really enjoying what they are seeing.

“It’s a big thing because sometimes clubs don’t go that way.

“We need to make the most of that.”

Asked if he would like his team to be playing this weekend or if he welcomes the break, Hourihane said: “I want a break more than anyone else and so does my wife.”

After the Reading game, Barnsley are due to visit Blackpool a week later on September 20 then host Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, September 23 in the EFL Cup third round.

They welcome Port Vale in the league on September 27 and also have an EFL Trophy game at Notts County on Tuesday, September 30.