JOHN McAtee says he can be ‘a lot better’ than his performances so far for Barnsley but was relieved to score the winner at Exeter City.

The 24-year-old forward has started four games and come off the bench in another four after signing on loan from Luton Town in August.

He scored on his debut at Wigan Athletic then headed in the winner in Devon on Saturday, having missed big chances in the previous two games – in particular blazing over an opportunity to equalise in a loss against Blackpool a week earlier.

McAtee told the Chronicle: “I needed that more than anything. The last two games, I missed some very good chances to help the team. Thankfully it was my day.

“If I am honest, I just felt relieved when it went in. I just want keep improving and keep my head straight.

“I don’t want to let things like misses get to my head. Obviously it’s difficult when you are missing chances and the team is suffering. But when they go in and you have all the lads around you it makes you feel better.”

McAtee then missed another big chance in the dying seconds after going through on goal.

“For me, those are the ones I needed to put away. But I got a goal and we got three points so I can’t complain too much.”

How would McAtee rate his performances for the Reds?

“It’s been mixed. As a team we’re doing well but, on a selfish note, I can be a lot better. But I have helped the team with goals and an assist. There is a lot more to come and I will keep working hard.”

The Reds are now third in League One after 12 games.

“That is where you want to be, fighting for the top places. I don’t look at the table but some people do. I just keep taking each game as it comes.”