Darrell Clarke believes Barnsley could be the side that makes a late run into the play-offs this season but says some of his players need to stop ‘going hiding when the chips are down.’

The Reds are tenth in League One, seven points off the play-offs although that gap could grow depending on other teams’ results on Tuesday.

Barnsley have taken a point from their last six matches, ahead of games at Rotherham United on Saturday and Northampton Town on Tuesday.

Clarke told the Chronicle: “We will keep fighting and chipping away. Top six is the ambition and the drive in me.

“It’s a league where we need to string five or six wins together.

“We have players coming back and players getting fitter.

“There’s sometimes a team that goes on a real late run and I don’t see why that can’t be us.”

Barnsley have won just four of 16 home league games this season while they have dropped 14 points from winning positions at home which is the most in the EFL.

Clarke told the Chronicle: “It’s a mentality thing. It’s something I question in the dressing room. Only they know.

“When you’re going through a spell where things aren’t working, it tends to be experienced players who get you through that spell.

“We haven’t done that enough this season. Too many go hiding when the chips are down and that’s not the way we’ll get success.”