The players have to show they want to be part of it

Last updated : 28 March 2008 By Tony Scholes
Tykes boss Simon Davey knows the need for points and was confident his side don't have their minds elsewhere. "I don't think minds are on the FA Cup. Our players are focused on the League. If you could tell me one player who had their mind on Wembley today I will buy you a pint.

"At the moment, we are just above that relegation zone which is not acceptable. We have got seven games left and we need to get the points on the board to make sure we are not dragged into it. I am confident and so are the players. We are happy that we can get out of this situation.

"We did not want to be looking over our shoulders and we are having to now. That has really taken the shine off our Cup run because we do not want to be the team that got to the semi-final and was relegated. We need to start picking up points and quickly.

"We now have to make sure it doesn't affect the players. We have to re-group and get ready for the game at Burnley."

Following two defeats against Wolves and Preston, Owen Coyle is looking for his side to bounce back against Barnsley and looking for the players to show him they want to be part of the team.

"I want the players now to show that they want to be part of what we are doing. We are going to build this and we are going to make ourselves a far stronger team next season. I want the players between now and the end of the season, whether they are under contract or out of contract, to show they want to be part of it.

"I think this is the time when the heat is on in terms of trying to win games at the business end of the season. The players have to show they want to be part of it and show they are able to play to that level of performance we are looking for.

"Whether they are out of contract or not, if I think they are not up to the task then the bottom like is they won't play in the team. It is up to them to show that they do want to be part of it.

"It is not just this season, it is every season at the business end that I need that type of character. It is one thing to have all the ability in the world, but it is another thing to have mental strength that you can add to all the ability and all the other attributes that you've got. And that's the type of players we want at the football club.

"Certainly the fans look to see that they are giving all they've got, that they are mentally strong and want to do this for the football club. That's the type of players we want on this journey."