Adam Jackson spoke to the press today ahead of Sunday's final fixture of the 2016/17 season.
The Reds face Newcastle United at St James' Park this Sunday at 12 noon.Former Middlesbrough defender Jackson made his first start last weekend since January 2nd, owing much to the form of his fellow central defenders and a month on the sidelines with a muscle injury.
Jacko was delighted to get back out on the grass in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Burton Albion.
He said: "It had been a while! I've been desperate to get back out there and so I was buzzing to play last week. I'm glad to have got some minutes under my belt.
"It has been frustrating at times but you've to look at it another way - the other lads in my position have been brilliant all season, so I can't really have any complaints.
"I just need to keep working hard. The injury was the most frustrating as you can't even train then.
"But Angus and Robbo have both been magnificent as I say, arguably two of our most consistent players so no arguments for me on that score.
"I've learned a lot from just training with them to be honest, day in, day out you pick up little things from each other.
"And with Robbo being such a good talker, a leader and captain, I've been able to learn a lot of stuff, positionally really."
So many defenders in recent times have left the Reds for bigger things, most notably John Stones and Alfie Mawson.
But Jackson isn't interested in all that, he just wants to focus on being a Red and establishing himself as a key member of Paul Heckingbottom's side.
"I'm loving being here" he said. "I'm proud to play for Barnsley. I just want to keep learning, developing and force my way into the team.
"I don't really look past that to be honest with you.
"We as a group this season felt we were capable of achieving more than just staying up but I suppose had we been offered the chance to finish where we are we'd have took it.
"Now hopefully next season we can grow and progress and end up even further."
As a North East lad, Adam admitted that Sunday's fixture means more to him than most.
He explained why he felt he'd like to get the result on Sunday, not just for Barnsley but to get one over on his family...
"I can't say I didn't look for this game first! A lot of my friends and family are Newcastle fans so it's one I've been looking forward to.
"I'm actually from Darlington myself, I'm not a Newcastle fan but a lot of my cousins and aunts, uncles they're big Newcastle fans. So it will be good to get one over on them!"
The Reds can still finish top half if results go their way this weekend, whilst Newcastle are aiming to be crowned Champions.
Jacko wants his side to go there and spoil the hosts big day.
He said: "It'll be great if we can be the party poopers this weekend. If we can stop them winning the league that'd be brilliant.
"If we play our game, on any given day we can beat anyone.
"I've heard our fans have sold out their tickets so it'll be a great atmosphere from our end. Hopefully we give them a final performance to savour."
Adam Jackson's full interview is over on Barnsley Player HD.
