Barnsley v Nottm Forest: Wilson confident Reds can remedy derby ills

The Reds players have been seeking to get back in Wilson’s good books after the 5-0 loss at Town and they get their first chance to redeem themselves with fans – many of whom sang: ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ shortly before the end of last Saturday’s game – at home to Nottingham Forest.

Pride took a considerable knock at Huddersfield, but Wilson says the blow is by no means a fatal one, with it now all about the reaction with the rock-bottom Reds facing an onerous Oakwell double-header against Forest and Leicester City.

Last Saturday was comfortably the darkest hour of his second spell in charge at Barnsley so far, with the way his side folded after Town’s first goal of concern to everyone connected with the club, but Wilson is sure it was a one-off.

Wilson, who held a review with his players into the shocking defeat, said: “It was so out of the blue. But I have no doubt whatsoever that the fight is still in there.

“We were hurting a great deal last weekend. We have all been part of football a long, long time and these things happen and it’s how we respond to it.

“In the last few days in training, we really have had some good heart to hearts and the training has been very good.

“Hopefully, we will put in a performance at the weekend which will justify the way we want to repay the fans.”

Wilson has spoken to loan winger Brek Shea following his return from international duty with the USA following an incident at the end of the Huddersfield game when he appeared to make a gesture towards the away fans.

Midfielder Stephen Dawson has already apologised profusely after confronting a fan at the final whistle.

On Shea, Wilson said: “If he plays, I would expect an absolutely momentous performance. From whatever he does within this football club while he is here, I would expect a lot of humility to be involved.”