Gerhard Struber on Barnsley FC's popularity in Austria

The presence of Struber and several Austria-born players including Michael Sollbauer, Patrick Schmidt and Marcel Ritzmaier in the Reds ranks has helped to significantly increase the club's profile in the Alpine nation.

Head coach Struber, whose side kick off the 2020-21 season at home to Luton on Saturday, is hoping to build on that with further success in the new campaign.

Struber said: "Of course, this is a good feeling for me. I get so many messages after every game in Austria and many people look for our results.

"It is not so easy to see the games in Austria. I think it is the right time to bring the Championship into the traditional TV (station ORF) in Austria. At the moment, it is big competition with the Bundesliga."

Struber, who reports no fresh injury problems ahead of the game with the Hatters, is confident that Barnsley's evolution will continue in 2020-21 if they maintain their playing style.

But he has warned that his squad cannot afford to sleep and rest on their laurels.

On Barnsley's aims for the season, he quipped. "Champions...We don't forget we have a small squad and budget, but we have a very good energy and interesting style.

"The style is not so easy to handle for the opponents and when we have a big focus in our development, then we will have a good season.

"My next big goal is that we play stable, confident football without mistakes. We play a very quick game with clear transitions and a good build-up and a very, very high intensity against the ball.

"In the last seven or eight months, we have made big steps and now we hope we bring can bring other performances.

"The league is tough and it is a big challenge for my players to bring a constantly good performance. The good thing is many players now have more experience in this league and everyone knows we have no time to sleep or relax.

"We need every single player on his personal limit in every game and this is what the players understand at the moment."