Sam Winnall says the draw against Sheffield United on Saturday could be a 'season turner' and that the Reds showed better character in that game than they have displayed for most of the season.

The striker was quick to join in the joyous celebrations after Conor Hourihane fired in for 1-1 in the 95th minute.

"It was a massive result, not just for the fans but for the players," said Winnall, 24.

"It's the first time in a long time that we have shown real grit and determination. It's given us all a boost and the mood in training has been very bright. "It felt like a win and a season turner."

Winnall says the enthusiasm was not dampened later in the day when other teams' results meant Barnsley sank to the bottom of the League One table.

"We can't control the results of the teams around us so it didn't really get us down.  We know our own results have to be better and that's what we will focus on. I think we're getting better. We have found a shape and a squad and a team that's working for us so we can go from strength to strength now.

"The run of bad performances that we were on seems to be over and we are starting to play some pretty good stuff.  It's time to turn that quality into results."

Winnall is Barnsley's top-scorer with seven goals in 26 games this season but he was dropped to the bench during a spell of nine matches without scoring. He netted twice in three appearances as a substitute before coming back into the starting line-up on Saturday.

"I am a perfectionist so I'll never be happy," said Winnall.

"I would have liked a few more goals. It's always frustrating when you're not starting but you have to work hard and try to get back on the pitch.  Thankfully the gaffer picked me on Saturday and hopefully I will keep that shirt now."

Winnall hopes to start the Johnstone's Paint Trophy match at Wigan tomorrow in which a victory would take the Reds to within a round of the final at Wembley.  He said: "We have been taking it seriously since the first round. A lot of the players, like myself, have never played at Wembley and it would be a great day out. It's something that not many get to do. We want to turn our league form into the way we have been playing in the cup."