Reds midfielder George Moncur spoke with the assembled media at Oakwell today ahead of Saturday's trip to Bristol City.
After returning to the club in January following a loan spell with Peterborough United in League One, the 23-year-old playmaker has forced his way back into Paul Heckingbottom's squad.
Moncur believes the key to his resurgence recently has been the effort he's putting in on the training ground.
"I think I've learnt so much this season, not just about football, but about life. Going away on loan and then coming back, realising what I have to do to make it in the team, it's been a really positive experience in that aspect.
"You've definitely got to be switched on, both on and off the ball at all times. I was playing as a number 10 really at Colchester and this year I've been learning how to play in a two. It's about getting used to the role I suppose."
The midfielder's spell with Peterborough got off to a great start initially, but Moncur felt it wasn't working out as he'd have liked, and wanted to force his way back into Paul Heckingbottom's squad.
He explained the reasons behind wanting to return to Oakwell: "I thought I'd end up going there and play every game but it didn't really work out for me. That was another experience for me, another that put me on the back-foot I suppose.
"But I managed to come back and get involved in the team and definitely with the Gaffer's help I think I've come on a long way.
"It's important to be playing games, you basically lose your fitness, you lose little bits from your game. I can understand why some fans might have thought I threw in the towel at the start but from my point of view I just wanted to play.
"I'm at my happiest when I'm playing football, it's been my life and I hate not being involved. When I first came up here it all came as a shock to me. I had never been away from home or my family and my head wasn't in the right place. I wasn't really settled in myself and it affected me badly."
George is now finding in his feet both on the pitch and off it in Yorkshire, and he feels it's helping him with his game as he looks to repay the faith and support shown in him.
"I've got my house up here now and my girlfriend" he told us. "I feel much more settled in the town. I'm an Essex boy and it was a bit of a culture shock. But I've got to be honest I actually prefer it up here now!
"The fans have been supportive on social media and Hecky has been first class with me. I just want to repay that faith in me I suppose, I think they've been great with me. I just want to give them more really.
"I just want to play for Barnsley Football Club, I love it here and I just need to give my all to keep working hard and improving."
George Moncur's full pre-match interview is available to watch on Barnsley Player HD!
