Oxford v Barnsley: Herbie Kane eyeing third time lucky in League One promotion stakes with Reds

In the colours of weekend opponents Oxford, the Reds midfielder was part of a play-off chasing U's side who saw their season ended with defeat on the penultimate Saturday of 2021-22 at Rotherham United.

The misery of Kane, who spent last term on loan at Oxford, was compounded by coming off at the interval with a groin injury in what proved to be his last game for the club.

The Bristolian was a similarly helpless figure in an earlier loan foray in the third-tier with Doncaster Rovers in 2018-19.

Kane, subbed late on, had to watch on as Rovers' semi-final second leg at Charlton was settled by penalties, with the Addicks being the ones to make it to Wembley.

Small wonder he will be hoping for a better outcome this season, although Barnsley have plenty of hills to climb first despite currently being one of the division's form horses.

Kane said: "It is a motivation. I have been close a couple of times in this league now and getting promoted is something I definitely want to happen.

"But now, we just need to focus on performance. It's not even Christmas yet. We have to just focus on the next game.

"I am not sure about teams fearing us, but we are doing well and finding that consistency and hopefully it can continue. Our group has come together and you can see that on the pitch."

Kane's impact is remembered fondly in Oxfordshire, although his only interest is in business and not pleasure against an improving U's side, who are unbeaten at league level in seven matches since October 22.

He comes up against a number of players he knows well including ex-Liverpool team-mate Cameron Brannagan, one of the best operators in the third tier with many surprised that he is not plying his trade in the Championship.

Kane added: "He is a top player and did well last season and is doing well in this one.

"I am surprised, as there are a lot of good players who are in this league. Whether he is in the Championship or League One, he still does well.”