Gloves are off for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ahead of Barnsley clash.
Sam Johnstone says that a potential win against local rivals Barnsley would be for Rovers’ ardent support.The travelling fans have not seen Paul Dickov’s side lose in their last four games on the road and will be hoping to extend that run in the heat of battle at Oakwell tonight.
“The lads will want to win, especially for the fans who follow us everywhere. With Barnsley only being down the road there should be a good crowd so it would be nice to have a good performance and get the result for them as well as us,” he said.
“December is an important month with the amount of games that we have. It’s going to be difficult, but that’s the same for everyone. Hopefully we can have a good month and go into January in the top half of the table.”
Rovers last victory at Oakwell came in March 2010 and Johnstone senses a turning of the tide. The Manchester United loanee said: “As a team we’re playing well now. We’re creating lots of chances and have maybe been a bit unlucky at times, but sooner or later those chances will turn into goals. All the lads are working hard in training and it’s my job to keep the goals out at the other end.
“Everyone wants to win games and start moving up that table. We want to be a team that people are scared of. From bottom to top the table is very close, but you’ve got to try and win every game even if you’ve got games in hand like we have.
“It’s important that we look forward and go into every game wanting to win but that doesn’t happen in football. There are no easy games whether you’re in the Championship or League One.”