Jacob Mellis had a tooth removed last week but is hoping that he will not produce any more toothless performances for Barnsley.

The 22-year-old midfielder missed the home draw with Doncaster earlier in the month due to an ankle injury then had an abscess on one of his teeth which was taken out.

He returned to the side in the 1-0 loss at Millwall on Saturday and, with the match goalless, missed the best chance, a one-on-one which he put against the legs of the home 'keeper.

Barnsley manager David Flitcroft has said several times this season that he wants Mellis to be more consistent and the former Chelsea youngster, who played a key part in the Reds' avoidance of relegation earlier in the year, admits he has not been at his best this term Mellis told the Chronicle: "I don't think my form has been great this season but I am trying to find a way to get it back and help the team.

"This season has been frustrating for everyone.  We already had good players from last season and we felt we added to that with the signings that came in over the summer but, for whatever reason, it hasn't happened for us."

Mellis scored six times last season and has eight in 70 games for the Reds but has not found the net in 14 games this season. He said: "It's been a bit slow. It's nearly Christmas and I haven't scored yet which is annoying. But hopefully a little lucky one will come along and get me up and running."

Mellis' preferred position is behind the strikers but he has been stuck out on the left wing for most of this season. He said: "I just play wherever the manager asks me to play. "I feel very settled at Barnsley. The manager has given me an opportunity to play and I am very grateful for that. I want to play as well as I can and play as many games as I can."

Flitcroft said: "Mells has Premier League quality but I want to see it more often. He is still inconsistent and that's been the story of the season so far from most of the players."