Reds forward Ashley Fletcher spoke to the press ahead of the final match of the regular season against Wigan Athletic.
Since joining from Manchester United, the 20-year-old has made a big impression, scoring seven goals and helping the Reds move from relegation candidates to play-off challengers.
The striker reflected on his time at the club and extended his gratitude to all who helped him make his senior Football League debut.
He said: “It’s been massive and I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come and play games, I feel like I’ll be going back to Manchester United as a better player.
“I’ve developed little things like how to be cuter with defenders and having the confidence element to score goals has really benefitted me.
“Getting a run of games has also benefitted me in terms of my fitness.”
This weekend’s fixture could see the Reds secure a top six spot, provided they win or if other results go their way.
Fletcher insists that the Reds cannot focus on other results and must control their own variables in order to succeed, but added he hopes to score the winner against the Latics.
“We have to focus on ourselves and Hecky (Paul Heckingbottom) has said that from day one. That’s what we have to do and things will take care of themselves.
“If we go to Wigan and win the game we’d like to think we’ll finish in the play-offs. They’re a good side and they’re top for a reason but hopefully we’ll go there and do the job.
“A lot of teams didn’t expect us to be anywhere near but with the talent that’s in the team we should be near the top of the league.
“To score the winner would be massive. The fans have been great to me ever since I’ve come and it would mean a lot to the town to get into play-offs and it’s something I’ll be looking to do.”
Moving from the Under-21 development game into a first team environment is a transition that has been relatively smooth for Fletcher.
Even so, his youth team coach at Manchester United is keeping an eagle eye on the youngster’s progress as he continues to enhance his reputation.
He feels he has progressed as a professional in this setting and feels the club have done a lot for his self-confidence.
“My Under 21s manager, Warren Joyce, rings me after every game and keeps in touch with me. He’s watched a few of my games and given me good feedback and things to work on as well.
“League games are totally different to Under-21s games and it’s a completely different environment, one that I have relished.
“Scoring goals for any striker is the main objective, luckily I’ve managed to get seven and I’d like a few more at the weekend.
“It has been massive and has aided my confidence and I’d like to think that I’d put in some good performances along the way,” he added.
The striker is looking to help the Reds get promoted before heading back to Old Trafford but is eyeing a return to Oakwell if the Reds make it into the Championship.
Fletcher said: “I’ll go back to United at the end of the season and try and push my way into the first team, if not then maybe another loan spell away from the club.
“Hopefully I can do that in the Championship with Barnsley next season and we should be there. It’s a difficult one for now but I’ll have to go back there and see what happens.”
