Reds backing Flitcroft, insists striker Scotland

The under-performing Reds have hit the buffers after a brilliant second half to last season under the inspired leadership of Flitcroft and head into this afternoon’s tough trip to Leicester City in 23rd spot after just one victory in eight games.

While the alarm bells are ringing among the Reds’ support, who are gearing up for another grim relegation battle, Scotland feels goodwill still remains from the club’s stunning great escape last season.

But the Trinidad and Tobago striker insists he and his team-mates need to display some serious improvement defensively to stop a seasonal drama turning into a crisis – with no one in the entire Football League having conceded more league goals than Barnsley, who have haemorrhaged 22 so far this term.

Not that the fixture list is offering them any favours and after this afternoon’s trip to the Kingpower Stadium, Barnsley face a tough home game with Reading on Tuesday before visiting leaders QPR in seven days.

Scotland, whose goal was perhaps the one positive from last weekend’s wretched 5-1 home loss to Watford, said: “I think the majority are giving the gaffer time and believe we can turn things around. We did it before.

“But getting defeats week-in, week-out is something we don’t want to happen. It’s a difficult thing and the fans don’t want us to be getting heavy defeats. If we say lose 1-0 or 2-1 and give it a go, I think the fans will be happier with that.

“We need to put things right and if we get three points at Leicester, everything changes.

“We had a heavy defeat to Watford and only us in the dressing room can put things right.

“Most of this squad were in the position last year and the boys know themselves we haven’t been doing well enough.

“It’s kind of hard to put the finger on what has changed. We have the same group of boys and manager. Maybe we are just conceding too much and last season we weren’t and were more tight at the back.”