The uncertainty surrounding two of the Reds' star players' contract situations will not be a distraction going into the hectic Christmas period, according to Paul Heckingbottom.
Striker Sam Winnall and midfield playmaker Conor Hourihane's deals are due to expire in the summer and the club is keen to secure them on new contracts to ward off interest in January's transfer window.
Winnall, who is the Reds' top-scorer this season, has established himself as the leading striker since his arrival from Scunthorpe United in 2014 and Hourihane has become the club's captain.
Heckingbottom, who has confirmed that talks are ongoing, said it is important that the players' new deals are wrapped up.
"The club's spoken to the boys about new contracts and so it's very much a case of the sooner the better for me," said the head coach.
"It's really important but we can't force their decision. It won't be a distraction for us, though. They both still have a duty to the team to perform but we are confident of keeping them."
Hourihane, 25, was watched by Republic of Ireland's assistant boss Roy Keane at Oakwell during the 2-1 win against Norwich last Saturday and Heckingbottom says his stand-out performances would justify another international call-up and a first cap for his country.
"Conor's been great for us and it was nice for Roy to watch him score against Norwich. He's been very consistent and the aim is for him to become a regular in Ireland's squad in 2017. It'd be great if we could help him do that."
