BARNSLEY captain Luca Connell says the Reds are now heading into the 'crunch' period of the season – and is well aware of the threat Stockport County pose tomorrow.

Connell scored his second goal of the season on Saturday, a fabulous free-kick on the stroke of half time to put Barnsley 3-0 up against Luton Town.

So far this season he's registered three assists and has been influential in Barnsley's build-up play.

Barnsley are currently ninth in the third tier, having collected 24 points from their first 14 games.

But they have at least two games in hand on most teams around them.

Hourihane has said he expects those postponed games to be rearranged at some point in the new year.

And captain Connell admits they're now in the 'crunch period' of the season.

He said: "If you ask anyone in the EFL if you get through the Christmas period and you're in a good position then it sets you to go again.

"No doubt we'll be in a lot of days and working hard.

"Hopefully we can put more shifts in like that.

"We're going to be busy catching up with the three games (in hand)."

Barnsley's games have been postponed due to international call-ups in the squad.

Connell added: "The international break can go both ways.

"You get to go away a couple of days with your family and relax and try to switch off from football.

"Then you get a full week heading into games.

"I think the time off is important but this is the time to kick on."

Barnsley head to Stockport tomorrow.

The Hatters are currently fourth in the League One table but have lost their last two.

Connell is aware of the threat they pose and is hoping for a better outcome than last season's 2-1 defeat.

"We went there last year and we didn't come away with the result we wanted," he said.

"We know what they're capable of and the players that they've got.

"No doubt we'll be working again to try our best to nullify them and give Reyes, Davo, Phillo and all our attacking players the best chance to score."