Marc Roberts says he is determined to take his chance if he returns to the starting line-up tomorrow.

The 25-year-old from Penistone has only made five appearances for Barnsley since the end of October but is pushing for a recall after helping the Reds to a clean sheet as an early substitute at Bradford City on Tuesday.

After an impressive start to his career in professional football with his boyhood club, he has spent time on the bench and with the under 21s.

Roberts told the Chronicle: "Me and the gaffer have had a couple of chats about what I have to work on and I've been doing a lot of extras after training. It has been good.

"I've been working on getting faster feet and it's helped a lot.  It's been difficult (being out of the team) but you have just got to accept that it happens in football and you've just got to keep working hard.

"You're together as a team whether you're in the starting 11 or not. You might be called upon in a game, as I have been a couple of times, and when your chance comes you've just got to take it. My philosophy is just to keep working hard in training. You've got to keep your head down and try and get back in the side.

"The squad's good so if anybody gets out of the side, someone comes in and has a chance and there is every chance that they will take it."

Injuries to Alfie Mawson and Lewin Nyatanga have pushed Roberts up the pecking order ahead of what will be a busy period of games.

"It's unfortunate for Alfie," added Roberts.

"Hopefully he's alright and his injury isn't too bad. When you get your chance you hope to do well. I obviously want to stay in the side whether that be in place of Alfie or anyone else. We have a lot of important games coming up. If it's me playing I'd like to play well and keep my spot."