Team spirit impresses Greening with goals the target

Jonathan Greening is desperate not to add another relegation to his CV at new employers Barnsley.

The 33-year-old midfielder joined the battle to stay in the Championship at Oakwell last week after agreeing a loan move from Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.

Greening – a former Champions League winner during his Manchester United days – has suffered the agony of relegation previously with West Bromwich Albion and is determined to avoid enduring a similar fate with the Tykes.

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He made his debut in the 2-1 home defeat against the Championship’s new leaders Cardiff City on Saturday, and tonight the Reds host Burnley as they target a first league win at home since September 1.

“I’ve had a few relegations with West Brom in the past and when you’re down there at the bottom, and you’re playing well and still losing, well it can be quite hard,” said Greening, who was playing his first competitive match in eight months since returning from a broken ankle.

“But there is a good set of lads here with a really good team spirit and hopefully we can bounce back.

“We just need the confidence of scoring goals and winning matches.

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“If we can do that I can really see us doing okay. We just need to a believe a bit more.”

Manager Keith Hill brought in Greening, one of four loan signings this month, and another, Akoz Buzsaky, could get his first start after impressing as a second-half substitute against Cardiff.

The Tykes sit just one point off South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield Wednesday, who currently occupy the final relegation spot.

“You could see when he (Buzsaky) came on that he’s a good, tidy footballer,” said Greening.

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“I think he’s had a few bad injuries like me, so he’s probably eager to play like me.

“Hopefully he can come in and do well, but the important thing is that everyone supports each other and try and get Barnsley Football Club back to winning football matches.

“It’s important we bounce back with a win, you always look to do that if you lose a match.

“Hopefully, we can replicate the performance we had against Cardiff. Then, with better finishing, we can hopefully get the three points we need and put that loss behind us.”

Last six games: Barnsley LLLLWL, Burnley LWWLLW.

Last time: Barnsley 2 Burnley 0; October 18, 2011; Championship.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Mids).