Trust key to Barnsley's promotion push, says Brownhill

The previously misdfiring Reds were rooted to the foot of League One at Christmas after a sorry eight-game losing run.

But just over two months later and the South Yorkshire outfit are sixth, in the play-off positions for the first time this season, after winning 11 of their last 13 games.

They’ll also face Oxford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley, on Sunday, April 3, and Brownhill - on loan at Oakwell from Preston - said: “The way we’re playing just shows the confidence we’ve got at the moment.

“We trust every single player on the pitch and, no matter what age the players are, we’ve done really well.

“Every single player on the pitch is doing well at the minute, which obviously helps.

“We’ve got a young team, but everyone wants to win and that’s the main thing.

“It just proves that no matter how old you are, then if you’re good enough you deserve your chance.”

Brownhill bagged his first Barnsley goal – and only his second of the season - as the Reds beat Walsall 3-1 at the weekend to climb into the coveted top six.

And with just 11 games remaining in the campaign the 20-year-old knows there’s still plenty up for grabs as the Reds look to get back in the Championship.

“I thought we deserved the win, even though we weren’t on our game in the first half,” added Brownhill.

“But the second half was a lot better, we proved we have a lot more in us.

“It was a really special moment to score in front of all the Barnsley supporters and also in front of my family who came to watch the match.

“I came out on loan to get games – and it’s great. I knew Barnsley were underachieving, but we’ve got some great players and, if we can maintain this form, then who knows where we can end up?

“It’s great to be in the play-offs, but we’ve got to keep this running.

“I didn’t think we’d be where we were, but it’s credit to the manager and the rest of the boys for turning things around.”