Five major talking points from Nottingham Forest v Barnsley

Leading by example

Barnsley skipper Hourihane’s moment of magic was just a symbol of just how influential the 25 year old has been for the Tykes this season.

The uncapped Irishman’s wonder-strike was his fifth league goal of the season. He also has 11 assists this campaign; the most of any Championship player.

Speaking about his goal, Hourihane said that he’d been working hard in training to get on the scoresheet more often.

He said: “It was nice. I’ve been practicing in training and in games to get into the box more to score tap-ins, but I don’t really score tap-ins for some reason.”

He added: “It was nice to get three points late in the game and it was a great way to start off 2017 by securing the three points. It was special.”

Hourihane’s contributions have been very consistent this term. The Irishmen has the second highest average match rating of any player in the Championship this season; only Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk has a higher average than the Barnsley captain.

With Hourihane’s contract up at the end of the season, can Barnsley keep hold of their star midfielder?