MATTY Wolfe believes Oakwell will end 2022 ‘a nicer workplace’ than at the start of the year, while his manager thinks he is more suited to an attacking role than the holding midfielder position.

The 22-year-old academy graduate broke into the side earlier this year as a holding midfielder but Luca Connell is now the first choice in that role.

Wolfe returned from three months out with an ankle injury on Saturday and impressed in a more attacking midfield role in the 2-0 home win over Burton Albion.

Duff told the Chronicle: “He can do both but I see him as a more forward-thinking midfielder. He’s six foot two, he has good energy, he can run forward. He showed quality for the first goal.

“He’s been unfortunate with injury then had a week’s training and he’s been thrown in. He gave us everything then he couldn’t move by the 52nd minute. But he didn’t moan.”

On which type of midfield role he prefers, Wolfe told the Chronicle: “I don’t mind either. Luca has cemented that defensive midfield role by playing really well. As long as I get to play, I am not bothered where it is.”

Wolfe broke into the first team at the start of 2022 when Poya Asbaghi’s Reds were heading for relegation from the Championship. He says there have been significant changes at the club as we approach the end of the year.

“It’s a totally different vibe when you walk in the door. It’s just a nicer workplace. We all work so hard on the training pitch. Everyone was ill last week but the gaffer had to stop training because everyone was flying into tackles and the intensity was so high.”

Wolfe set up Devante Cole’s opener on Saturday, running down the right of the box before sending in a low cross.

“I saw the space and darted into it and we’ve been doing crossing and finishing. I zipped a cross in between the posts. I was delighted to get the assist.”

Barnsley are fourth in League One after five straight wins.

Wolfe said: “We try not to look at the table but obviously we know where we are and we have games in hand. It’s a cliche but we just have to focus on winning the next game.”