The progress made by Josh Scowen and Barnsley FC in the last year gives the midfielder confidence that they can recover from their current slump.

A year ago, the Reds were bottom of League One and Scowen was facing several months on the sidelines after injuring his knee in the FA Cup loss to non-league Altrincham.

The 23-year-old returned to the side as a makeshift right-back during the run to promotion and has been a regular in his natural position of central midfield this season.

Scowen said: "I was injured and it was one of the worst times of my career but now it is one of the best times because we are in the Championship and I am playing most of the games. It's crazy to go from bottom of League One to holding our own in the Championship. It's been an unbelievable climb.

"The boys are always positive even though we are on a bad run. You need to look at where we were last year and how we dug deep and where we are now. There are some big characters in he dressing room who will get us out of this. I am not saying we will get promoted this season but we can turn our form around."

Scowen is one of several players whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, along with Conor Hourihane, Marley Watkins and Sam Winnall. Asked if negotiations were progressing, he said: "I am still waiting to hear. I am in the side so that is a good sign. I am happy here but who knows?  When you are out of contract you have got to up your game to either get a new contract with your current club or with one of the bigger clubs. You have a real incentive to do as well as you can.

"Conor Hourihane probably has massive interest with the way he has been playing. He is a pleasure to play with and it makes the game easy for you when you play with him. We'd love him to stay but when big clubs come calling it is hard to keep hold of players."

Scowen, who is in the top ten most fouled players in the Championship, is happy with his performances this season. He said: "I am doing fairly well considering it is the first time I have played in this league. I am enjoying it.  I don't feel out of place or like I don't belong at this level. The best way to learn is to keep playing well and try to pick up as many points as we can. If we keep learning the way we have been then we will be in a good position at the end of the season."