Lee Johnson admits Barnsley face a 'big week' in which they bid to win a sixth straight League One game, boost their injury-plagued squad before the transfer deadline and reach Wembley.
The Reds – seven points off the play-offs and eight clear of the relegation zone – visit fellow mid-table side Swindon Town tomorrow then travel to Fleetwood Town for the second leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern final on Thursday with a Wembley final the prize.
"It's a big week for us and the next month will be very important for our season," said Johnson.
"We have kept our season alive in two competitions, the league and the JPT. If we had had this team earlier we would have been very close to the play-offs. I have said it's going to take three windows. We might do it in two windows.
"With 19 games left a lot can happen and, if we win at Swindon, we will draw that play-off berth closer. "It's been a great run and a much-needed run. Everybody has stuck together.
"You can't argue with five wins on the spin in the league. I hope we have just about turned around the fans who were so upset by the losses earlier in the season that they wanted total change."
In between the next two matches, the January transfer window closes on Monday with the Reds hoping to bolster the squad after injuries to Ryan Williams, Alfie Mawson, Lewin Nyatanga, Aidy White and Adam Hammill.They have already signed midfielder Jak McCourt, 20, from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee on a contract until 2017.
Johnson said: "Our transfer situation changes every day because of our injury updates."
Johnson said earlier in the week that he would need to recruit at left-back following the loss of White to injury and with George Smith out on loan. But George Williams has filled in there and excelled. The Reds boss said: "George has lessened our need for a left-back a little bit because he has done so well."
The loan of striker Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United has been extended until the end of the season.
Barnsley are hoping to agree a fourth loan deal with Burnley for defender Kevin Long whose current spell is due to end after the Swindon match. Johnson said: "Longy has been great and gets better with every game. Extending his loan is our next aim."
One centre-back who will not be signing for the Reds is Cameroonian international Andre Bikey. He has the left the club after training with the Reds last week.
