Barnsley v Scunthorpe United: Reds in pivotal period as Robins heads back

Promoted Iron endured a horrendous start to the season which saw Russ Wilcox lose his job last month.

They are still down in 23rd place in League One, but under Robins – who was Barnsley manager between 2009 and 2011 – they have lost just once in their last six outings.

“Their position in the league is a little undeserved,” said Wilson, whose own side are seeking to respond after a disappointing loss to Chesterfield.

“I watched them against Crawley and they completely controlled the game. They should have run out handsome winners.

“They had a couple of poor goals conceded and maybe that’s their story over recent weeks; they’ve maybe not always seen the game out, a little similar to us in one respect.

“But, football-wise and discipline-wise, they’ve been excellent.

“With Mark (Robins) coming back here, I’m positive he’ll want to do well, but no more so than us.

“We see these next two games as quite pivotal to us.”

On Robins, the ex-Barnsley and Huddersfield manager, Wilson added: “It’s always strange when a new manager comes in with the same players, but they start getting different results.

“Overall, it’s like everything; he’s got them working very hard and they’re very well-drilled in their defensive work.

“We realise that and we’ve been up against a lot of teams like that this season. It’ll be a very tight game, I know for certain.”

Prolific striker Sam Winnall faces his former club for the first time since leaving Scunthorpe in the summer, his 23 goals having aided their rise into League One.