FORMER Oakwell star John Beresford believes Barnsley have put the magic back into the FA Cup this season.

Speaking exclusively to Reds Head of Media Rob Knowles for www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, John said: "It is absolutely brilliant and I will be shouting from the rooftops if Barnsley can got that extra step and get to a FA Cup Final.

"It means a lot to me personally because I still look back on my days at Barnsley with great fondness and it gave me a massive opportunity to go on and push on in my career. We played Everton in a FA Cup game in 1989 and to be on Match Of The Day was a real springboard for me.  That kind of game can really put you in the spotlight and you have seen that this season with the Barnsley lads.

"You could not write a script like this if you had tried and you probably would not believe it if it was in a comic book. It is 'Roy of the Rovers' stuff and magnificent for football.

"Hopefully they can go that extra step and get to the final. It would mean a great deal to me to see them get there because I had a great three years at the Club. I hope and pray that they can do it this weekend.

"People always say that you need the luck of the draw to get through in the FA Cup. Barnsley just have not had that this season and really deserve a place in the final after beating Liverpool and Chelsea.

"They deserve every compliment and accolade that has some their way because of that and hopefully they can make it to the Final. It is great for the Club, the fans and the town and it would be even better to reach the final. It would one of the great achievements ever for the Club.

"The FA Cup is all about dreams. As a kid you always dream of playing in a FA Cup Final at Wembley. Barnsley have the chance to play at Wembley on Sunday and are just one win away from the Final. What an achievement that would be".

John joined the Reds in 1986 from Manchester City and clocked up a century of games before moving to Portsmouth three years later.