Barnsley will look to make the most of this week before the start of a gruelling final 24 games of the League One season in 98 days.

The Reds have had no midweek fixture but that is scheduled to only happen once more in the next eight weeks from Saturday’s game at Reading as they play 16 times in 56 days.

They have up to five games in hand on the sides around them in League One.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “It’s the last week for a while we are going to have available to really work. We’re going to have to make the most of the time on the grass.

"There won’t be too much training after that because everyone knows the amount of games we’ve got to catch up on.

"From next week to about mid-March we don’t really have a free week. It’s important to use it wisely.”

Hourihane gave a senior league debut to Leo Farrell against Blackpool on Saturday. The 20-year-old striker, who came through the Oakwell academy, came on after 86 minutes and played a part in the injury-time winner.

Barnsley are looking to recruit up front.

Hourihane said: “We’re hoping to get bodies in as well and not to have to rely on someone like Faz. But he’s a talent, he’s someone we can use for now but hopefully we will get bodies in to make us stronger.”