Sam Winnall believes he can lead the line for Barnsley and provide the physical presence up front that manager Danny Wilson has been looking for.

The summer signing played on his own up front in the league win at Rochdale on Saturday and the cup tie at Oldham on Tuesday in which he scored a spectacular last-minute equaliser before missing a penalty in the shoot-out.

Wilson has spoken of his hunt for a physical presence up front but Winnall is hoping he can convince his manager that he can offer that. The 23-year-old striker told the Chronicle: "I think I have done well. I enjoy having the responsibility of being up front on my own. Hopefully the gaffer thinks the same and continues to keep faith in me."

Winnall's 30-yard midweek screamer was his second goal in 13 games since he joined from Scunthorpe in the summer. "It was a good one. I'm not usually one to score from outside the area. I like to get my goals in the six-yard box.  I was in a good position and it was a great strike. I am pleased to have scored and I think I played pretty well."

But the former Wolves youngster could not convert from less than half the distance in the shoot-out as his spot-kick crashed against the underside of the bar. "I take the responsibility for missing that first penalty.

"I was the first to volunteer and I will be next time. I won't shy away. I am a striker and I should score.  It was an inch away. I was hoping it had gone in but it wasn't to be. I hit it a little bit too hard.  It's just one of those things.

"Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty the other week. You can analyse penalties all day but it doesn't matter. It's gone. I felt a mixture of emotions after the match but mainly disappointment. We really wanted to win the competition so we're gutted to be out. It would have been fantastic to have got though the round but our priority has to be the league."