Chris Wood believes Leeds United able to pass latest test of character at Barnsley

The 25-year-old has been the club’s goalscoring talisman in a promotion bid that is growing in strength with each passing week.

Wood has netted 14 times in the league, the most recent of which was enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Derby County in a contest that Garry Monk’s men totally dominated.

“We are winning both ways at the moment,” said the Kiwi striker. “At times, we have had to grind it out – like at Cambridge in the FA Cup.

“But, then a few days later, the performance against Derby was probably the best I have been part of here. The great thing is we have both things in our locker.”

A trip to Barnsley seems certain to test United’s character and resolve, especially as the tea-time derby will be played under floodlights and the live Sky cameras will be present.

Wood insists Leeds will be ready for that challenge and points to the backing that 5,300 travelling fans will provide as inspiration for Monk’s side.

“The atmosphere we had against Derby was incredible,” he added. “I am sure it frightens teams who come here when they hear that.

“There have been times this season when we have had to dig in and the fans have lifted us.”

United’s win over Derby cut the gap to automatic promotion to four points. Newcastle United then extended this to six with victory at Brentford and it could be widened even further by the time Leeds kick-off at Oakwell.

Asked if the top two can be caught, Wood added: “We are not looking up or behind us. Newcastle and Brighton are playing really well so we just keep going and see where it takes us.”