Robins hopes to turn dream into reality

The Tykes visit leaders Newcastle, who are unbeaten at home and firmly on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

With a gate in excess of 50,000 at St James' Park, Robins says his players have nothing to lose. However, they also have everything to gain since a victory could lift the Tykes to within a point of the play-offs.

"You can ask too much of players if you don't believe they are capable of achieving something – but I don't believe I have ever done that," said Robins, who inherited a side in danger of relegation six months ago.

"We have a situation now where our supporters are daring to dream," he added. "They are thinking about 'what might be' if we can string a few more wins together but teams above and below us are trying to scrap and achieve things, too.

"It will take a monumental run and we have got a lot of tough games. Our record is just shy of where we need to be but there are 13 games left and it is still possible."

Robins added: "It's a great challenge facing Newcastle, who, in essence, are a Premiership squad in waiting. If we start brightly and maintain a bright start, we have got a chance."