Caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom says the Barnsley players know the huge importance of the forthcoming two games in four days.

The Reds – who are are currently sixth, in the final play-off League One place, having won 12 of their last 15 league games – will host Scunthorpe United today then visit Port Vale on Monday.

Both of Barnsley's opponents over the Easter weekend are just below them in the table so victories would open up a large gap between them and the Reds.

Heckingbottom, who has picked up 19 points from nine games in charge, said: "This weekend is the biggest one coming up. A while back we flagged these two games and thought they were massive.  We don't need to build it up. Easter is always special and it is the business end of the season.

"We have seen and heard that, while you're on a good run of form, teams talk about you and expect it to burst.  We are not really bothered about what they are saying but we know it affects people. If we keep beating teams in and around us and keep a strong run together then people are going to not want to play us and they will show us respect."

With nine matches to go, Barnsley are 16 points behind runaway leaders Burton and ten adrift of Wigan Athletic who occupy the second of two promotion places. Heckingbottom says a challenge for an automatic spot is unlikely. He added: "Everyone has got to play each other so of course it's possible but we might have to win every game with those above losing four.  Realistically it's not something we are looking at. We are going to chase every single point and see where it gets us."

The Reds will be depleted this weekend with winger Lloyd Isgrove, right-back Callum Connolly and striker Ashley Fletcher away on international duty while first choice full-backs Aidy White and James Bree are still doubts after injuries.

Marley Watkins is set to see a specialist about a calf injury which kept him out of Saturday's win at Fleetwood so Ivan Toney could be drafted straight into the side after signing yesterday. Harry Chapman or Josh Scowen is expected to replace Isgrove on the wing while left-back George Smith could make his first start since November with George Williams moving to the right.

Heckingbottom said: "It's an opportunity for people. We know we've got a good 11, whoever we put out. It's about people stepping up, staking a claim and trying to keep their place for the next game."

Today's visitors – Scunthorpe – are 13th, six points behind the Reds and have just appointed a new manager in Graham Alexander. Heckingbottom added: "We are expecting a hungry team who are chasing the top six.  Graham has had success before with Fleetwood and done well in this league.  We know in the short-term that they are going to be going out to impress him which will make them even more dangerous. We have to factor that into our preparation."

Barnsley's second opponents of the Bank Holiday Weekend are tenth-placed Port Vale who they visit on Monday looking for their first win in Burslem since 1996. Heckingbottom said: "Port Vale have had terrific home form but it was a shock result (4-0 loss) against Burton Albion last week."