Chesterfield v Barnsley: Hourihane guarding against complacency

The former Plymouth Argyle player has been a revelation following his summer arrival and struck his 10th goal of the season in Friday’s victory over Colchester United.

Personal plaudits have also come Hourihane’s way with the Irishman named as the SkyBet League One player of the month for September, but he is steadfastly retaining focus.

He believes that trait is something Barnsley, despite expectations being on the rise after three straight wins for the first time since the ‘Great Escape’ run in the late winter and Spring of 2013, must also adhere to.

That said, it is inescapable that levels of positivity are on the rise among Reds fans, 2,500 of whom will travel to Chesterfield today, seeking the same outcome as three weeks previously at Sheffield United as they hanker for an uplifting end to a largely forgettable 2014.

Hourihane said: “Everything has fallen into place since I have come here and it is been down to a lot of hard work.

“When I came in the summer, I felt this could be a big stepping stone and the hard work is luckily paying off.

“But for me and the team as well, we cannot be complacent. You have to keep going and long may it continue.”

Ryan Williams is back in the fold after a frustrating spell with the Australian Under-23 team in China, where he was not afforded a single minute of action, much to his and Wilson’s dismay.

The disappointed Reds chief said: “We will get to the bottom of why he didn’t play.

“But to say he was over there, fit and okay to play and did not play makes it a complete waste of time.”