The Spaniard makes a first return to his old stomping ground when the Reds take on Forest on Easter Monday.
Barnsley left-back Dani Pinillos is looking to draw on his experience with Nottingham Forest to help steer the Reds clear of the drop zone.
The Spaniard was part of the Forest squad that secured their Championship status on a dramatic finale last season, as they stayed in the second tier at the expense of Blackburn Rovers.
José Morais’ side were denied a valuable three points against Bristol City as Josh Brownhill headed home an injury time leveller at Oakwell on Friday afternoon, but Pinillos believes the team needs to stick together in the coming weeks.
“When I was there [at Nottingham Forest], we were in the same situation that Barnsley are in now,” said Pinillos. “We did things together and sorted it; it’s always a difficult situation when you are fighting relegation, but you know what you have to do.
“It’s always difficult for the fans, the players - everyone - if the team is relegated. When I was playing in the First Division in Spain I was relegated with Cordoba, and it’s difficult to forget that and to try to keep working because when things aren’t going how you want it’s difficult.”
Barnsley won the reverse encounter 2-1 when the two sides met at Oakwell earlier this season. Tom Bradshaw’s early opener was cancelled out by Darryl Murphy before Ryan Hedges’ winner just five minutes into the second half.
Pinillos was not in the matchday squad back in August, but is relishing the opportunity to play at the City Ground should he be called upon by Morais on Easter Monday.
“I was really happy there because I was in one of the best moments of my career and I have a lot of good friends there,” continued the 25-year-old. “If I play the game I will be really happy because I think it will be really special for me.
“It’s an historic football club; if I’m honest I didn’t know they had won the Champions League twice when I got there, so that was amazing. It was my first English club, so it was really special for me.
“It was my first time in England and I was a little scared because I didn’t know how it will be for me, but it was an amazing thing.”
Pinillos has featured regularly for the Reds since his arrival from Cordoba in early January, making his debut as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Fulham.
The former Forest full-back has settled in well to life at Oakwell, admitting that familiar faces from his time at the City Ground have helped ease his transition.
“Always, when you sign for a new club the first weeks are maybe a little bit difficult because you don’t know anyone in the changing room,” said Pinillos.
“But here, there is Gary Gardner who was playing with me at Forest and one of my friends. Then Matt Mills came two weeks after me, so I’m always happy when I see friends.”
