ADAM Phillips hopes Barnsley can turn their current good form into a very long unbeaten run which takes them even further up the League One table.
The Reds are unbeaten in eight league games and have moved into the play-off places. Midfielder Phillips, who will be 26 on Monday, was part of the team last season which went unbeaten in 12 with ten wins at this time of year.
He told the Chronicle: “I think we could go on a big run. In this league it’s important to go on these runs.
“The league is tough and anyone can beat anyone. If we go on a run it can shoot us up the table quick.
“We have to keep standards high.
“We have done a lot of work on the training ground. Performances have been good at times but we want the consistency over 90 minutes. We feel that will get us over the line.”
Barnsley are eight points off the top two, which was the aim at the start of the season following the play-off final defeat. Phillips said: “You want to push as high as you can. We’re not going to say play-offs is enough. Top two is still available so we will push for that.”
Phillips was a star player last season but, after being sent off in the play-off final loss, was suspended for the first three games of this season then was in and out of the 11 for several months. But he has started the last seven games, scoring his first two goals of the season and providing an assist in the 1-1 draw with Wigan last week.
He said: “At the start of the season I had a three-game suspension which was a set-back.
“I didn’t hit the ground running. When I came back in pre-season it was on my mind and the manager had to play players available for the start of the season in friendlies.
“Because I got such good numbers last year, there was a lot of expectation.
“I had a slow start to the season but the staff knew what I was capable of doing and got my confidence up.
“The manager backed me and said the goals and assists would come.
“I feel like I can still get the same numbers as last year.
“December was a good month for me and I need to build on that.
“I have always been a midfielder who likes to run forward and get in the box.
“Luckily I have the likes of Herbie (Kane) and Luca (Connell) behind me who can pick me out. Hopefully there will be more to come.”
The Reds have had a 12-day break since New Year’s Day. Phillips said: “Christmas is always hard with a lot of games in a short period. We would have liked to have been in the FA Cup third round but things happened. It was nice to put our feet up but we’re ready for Saturday. I went to a spa in the Lakes with my partner which was very nice. I love a spa and I am trying to tick them off because I’ve been to quite a few around the country.”
Barnsley now host mid-table Bristol Rovers, hoping to continue their seven-match unbeaten run at Oakwell.
“They are a good team with good players. Jevani Brown has always scored a lot of goals at this level.
“We’re coming back fresh and want a good performance and result.”
Saturday’s visitors have Luke Thomas who was Phillips’ team-mate at Barnsley last season.
“Luke is a character and a good player. Hopefully he won’t score and we’ll keep him quiet.”
