Home rule is essential if Reds are to stay up

Home rule proved the platform for the Reds’ marvellous second half of the season last term.

Seven wins in 10 league matches – featuring some captivating performances against a number of promotion-chasers along the way – played a major part in seeing them over the line.

The aim now for the Reds, boasting a meagre two home wins this season, is a repeat mission, starting with today’s huge game with fading Blackpool, the first of 11 games at Oakwell between now and early May.

Wilson, whose side host the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Burnley, Brighton and QPR before season’s end, said: “You can never guarantee wins at home, but you can guarantee if any team is successful that it’s because of their home form. We have to put that in order.

“Two wins is nowhere near enough and that’s an area which has to be addressed.

“We’ve 11 home games left and 33 points available. If you can get the majority of your points at home, it gives you a great chance.”

Yet to taste victory in his second tenure at the club, Wilson added: “We just need a win. Whoever it comes from or how it comes, I am not that bothered really. You have got to start somewhere and, hopefully, kick on from there and the confidence will grow.

“It’s a nice one to have on Saturday and if we can win, it will be a big boost of confidence.”

Wilson is running the rule over a player he knows well in ex-Sheffield United defender Lescinel Jean-Francois, on trial at Oakwell.

The Frenchman, hit by injury problems in recent seasons, featured for the Reds’ Under-21s at Nottingham Forest and will be given the opportunity to prove himself by Wilson.

He said: “He’s on trial for two weeks but he’s nowhere near fit yet, in terms of his match practice. But I know him well and know what he’s capable of doing. He can play left-back and centre-back and is strong, can head it and has a very good left foot.

“I like Lescy a lot and have worked with him quite a bit and know what he can do.”