Barnsley ready to become the focus of attention, says Paul Heckingbottom

Barnsley's manager, Paul Heckingbottom. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

The Tykes’ impressive 3-1 victory at Walsall last weekend saw them break into the play-off positions, capping a remarkable four months which has seen Barnsley rise from the bottom of League One.

They have flown under the radar in that time, but Heckingbottom accepts all that will now change as they prepare to welcome Southend United to Oakwell tomorrow.

Barnsley are level on 55 points with seventh-placed Bradford City, with 11 games of the season remaining.

“The focus hasn’t changed, questions we get asked are changing and I’ve said to the lads it can become a distraction,” said caretaker chief Heckingbottom, nominated for the League One ‘Manager of the Month’ award.

“This week we’re being asked about a promotion push but if we get beaten on Saturday, we’ll be asked if that’s the run over and that’s as fickle as it is.

“It can be distracting but you have to deal with it and know what’s got you where you are and what’s getting you the results, but the focus is game by game – not positions and league tables or play-offs, it’s on the next game and getting better all the time.”

Barnsley hope to have injured striker Sam Winnall back after he missed the Walsall trip.

Winger Adam Hammill is also available having completed his suspension.

“Sam has not trained with the side yet but he’s determined to get back and has done everything that the medical team have expected of him,” said Heckinbottom. “He’s determined to make himself available to play on Saturday. You want to reward that type of character and he’s desperate to get back and into a winning team.”

Heckingbottom was nominated for the February managerial award after Barnsley collected three wins, a draw and a solitary defeat last month.

Also nominated for the ‘Player of the Month’ award was defender Alfie Mawson.

n Arsenal are waiting to discover the full extent of Aaron Ramsey’s thigh injury.

The Wales midfielder was injured in Tuesday’s FA Cup replay win at Hull and, depending on the damage, could miss key Premier League fixtures, plus next week’s Champions League last-16 second leg in Barcelona.

“There is a small alert, we don’t know how bad it is,” said manager Arsene Wenger.