JOSH Earl is hoping to take his goal-scoring form from the pre-season games into the competitive fixtures next month as Barnsley look to be much more of a set piece threat.

The six foot four defender has headed in corners in the friendlies at Alfreton and Accrington. The Reds rarely threatened from set pieces last season but are hoping to be much more successful in that area in the coming campaign.

Earl told the Chronicle: “I am very happy with the goals. I will have to take this form into the season because I have not scored yet for Barnsley.

“For my size I should be scoring more.

“With the likes of Robbo (Marc Roberts) and Cozzy (Sam Cosgrove), we’re a massive team and we can use that as a weapon and get a few goals.”

As well as Earl, the other centre-backs in the first team squad include Roberts, Mael de Gevigney, Donovan Pines and Conor McCarthy.

“Healthy competition is absolute fantastic, every team needs that.

“All the lads are fighting for the shirt but we will support whoever gets it.”

Despite being at Oakwell for only six months, January signing Earl is working under his third head coach.

Darrell Clarke replaced Neill Collins after Martin Devaney was caretaker for the play-off defeat to Bolton.

“It’s still early doors. There have been a few tweaks and changes on and off the pitch.

“Over the next few weeks we’ll start seeing what team we will progress into.

“Saturday was the first pre-season game we could start playing how the gaffer wants us to play and put things in to match realistic scenarios, and get 90 minutes in for some lads.”