The Reds Skipper and match-winner spoke to the media following another impressive victory on the road..
An 88th minute wonder-strike from the Reds midfield general was enough to clinch all three points for Barnsley at the City Ground this afternoon and Conor admitted that his work on the training ground hadn't really paid off.He explained: "I've been working in training and in games to try and get into the box more and score a few tap-ins, but I don't really score tap-ins for some reason! But no, it's always really nice to score late on, it sat up nice for me and to start off 2017 like that, in front of the away fans as well, it was really special you know? It's another three points and keeps us going up that ladder, up the table."
The Reds captain felt it was just rewards for his side, that the Reds deserved the three points and paid tribute to the hard work behind him in defence. He also remarked upon the reasons behind the Reds fantastic last year or so that has seen the Club go from the foot of League One to the fringes of the Championship playoff places..
"With about 20 minutes to play I thought we'd definitely keep a clean sheet, Forest huffed and puffed a little bit but the lads at the back I thought were really at it today, they never had much to do and Forest never had anything clear-cut.
"It's been a fantastic rise this last 13, 14 months or whatever. There's no rocket-science behind it, you know, it's just hard work on the training ground, good management from Hecky and everybody within the Club pushing together in the right direction. We're all singing from the same hymn-sheet. And fair play to everyone because it's paying off."
Hourihane spoke of his pride in captaining Barnsley Football Club and how the Reds have taken people by surprise this season.
"I'm proud to lead this team" he said. "It's my job to do so and to help people go the right direction. It's not just about wearing the armband on a game-day you know, it's about being professional day in, day out and bringing the lads along when and where they need me. But it's credit to them also for standing right beside me and going in that direction as well.
"We had a tough little period in October and November, it was a real test of character and to come out of that like we have done and keep beating some good teams, it only breeds confidence and we'll just keep taking it game by game and see where that takes us."
You can see Conor Hourihane's full interview over on Barnsley Player HD.
