MARC Roberts says the intensity in training increased significantly at Oakwell over the international break.

The 34-year-old centre-back, from Penistone, started a second spell with the Reds this season after seven years away with Birmingham City.

He is hoping to celebrate a second promotion with the club, after going up from League One in 2016, but they went through some tough form which culminated in the 2-0 loss at Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town earlier this month.

That was followed by a two-week break from league action in which there have been changes at Oakwell, according to Roberts who then scored the winner at Blackpool on Saturday.

He told the Chronicle: “There were some strong words said after Huddersfield.

“It was a wake-up call for some people.

“Training has changed and, from my point of view, it’s a lot better.

“I think the gaffer has seen what needs to be worked on and his staff, fair play to them, they have really changed.

“They have looked at what we need to really get better at.

“It was a really tough two weeks.

“The intensity has been the big thing, and working on areas of the game that needed work – knowing when to play out and when not to.”

Roberts turned home a corner with his shoulder in injury-time in the 2-1 win at Bloomfield Road.

“It’s a great feeling.

“We’ve been on the other side of a few late goals recently so it’s nice to get the feeling of the late winner.

“You could see what it meant to all the lads and the fans.

“Those moments bring people together.”

Roberts had thought he was being taken off for Donovan Pines seconds earlier.

“I just saw the four out of the corner of my eye (on the fourth official’s board) but it was the added time.

“Thankfully I stayed on and ended up scoring.”

Roberts also assisted Max Watters late equaliser against Chartlon on Tuesday.