Barry Cotter believes Barnsley need to get back to ‘being ourselves’ in the play-offs and is delighted to have been involved in the side ahead of the decisive games.
The Reds face Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals with the winners going to the Wembley final.
Cotter told the Chronicle: “Every player dreams of playing at Wembley and the opportunity is right ahead of us. We just need to be ourselves because that’s what has got us into this position. That’s what we need to get back to. We weren’t quite ourselves in the last game.”
Cotter caught the eye in the 2-0 home loss against Peterborough United on Sunday with some runs past players in attacking positions.
“I definitely enjoy my play in the final third, getting at people and having freedom. But that’s not what I am focused on. I am just doing my best to help this team and club push in the direction they want to go in.”
Cotter hopes his performance will lead to further minutes in the play-offs, although he is putting the team first.
“My job is to give the gaffer a headache and I will trust the decision he makes. That’s what is drilled into us. We trust in it.
“If I am not in the team I trust my mate to go out and do the business because we’re all wearing the same badge.”
It was his first start after coming off the bench four times having signed from Shamrock Rovers in January.
“It was really exciting and a great game to come into. I am always trying to challenge myself.
“It’s a good achievement to earn a start in a good squad which is doing so well.
“Every single one of us is looking to compete. There is nothing promised in football. Everything you get is earned. You have to do the business when you get the opportunity. The starting 11 is doing the businesses, we’re competing for their spot and kicking them on.”
