Mike Bahre is hoping to repeat his goal-scoring exploits of Barnsley’s last trip to Southend United and net in League One for the first time tomorrow.

The 23-year-old German’s only goal for the Reds was at Roots Hall in a 4-2 FA Cup win on December 1. In yesterday’s pre-match press conference, he said: “That gives me some extra confidence and also I did the press before the last Southend game, so hopefully it’s a good sign and I can score again.”

Bahre was left out of the first 11 for the whole of January but he has started the last three matches due to an injury to top-scorer Kieffer Moore who has been ruled out for the season.

“It’s a big loss because he’s scored many goals and he’s an important person in the dressing room. But it’s also an opportunity for some other guys. It’s an extra motivation for us to get the promotion for him. No one could believe it when we found out but we just have to keep going. We are definitely good enough to finish in the top two.

“We have shown we can do well without Kieffer when he was injured before. I am the guy who has come in for him. You can’t compare Kieffer with me because we are totally different. He will score more goals than me but, because of my dribbling, I will create more space and chances for my team-mates.

“I am enjoying being on the pitch and hopefully there is more to come in the next few games. It has been difficult to come into the team after not playing but I am feeling fit again to get to collect some goals and assists.”