Hector: 'We are a really confident team now' (From Times Series)

Reading loanee Michael Hector believes Barnet could possibly reach the playoffs

11:21am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Sport By Adam Newson

A few weeks ago it was banter between team-mates but Michael Hector admits Barnet players are now taking the possibility of a playoff position more seriously.

The Bees are currently eleven points off a playoff spot but do have a game in hand on certain sides above them.

Hector, who scored in the weekend win over Crewe Alexandra, believes the confidence is now flowing through a Bees side that have won their last four league games.

“We are pushing away from the relegation zone which is the key thing for the club. So now we can look further up the league and maybe to the playoffs.

“We are a really confident team now. Even in training everyone has a smile on their face which is different to when I joined because people were a bit nervous and didn’t want the ball.

“Now everything is good and the manager has brought in a few new players and we have done well.”

He continued: “As a team messing about in the changing room everyone is joking about playoffs. But now we are not too far away.

“A few games ago it was a bit of banter but now we are taking it more seriously because we look at the table and we are pushing up the league.”

The Reading loanee has made a big impact since joining Barnet at the beginning of November. He slotted straight into the back four and impressed with his range of passing and calmness on the ball.

Following the dislocated knee injury to Danny Senda, Hector was asked to fill in at right-back against Accrington Stanley.

The 19-year-old had only once played in the position before and admitted he was a little anxious about how he would perform.

“I have been playing right-back for the last few games due to Danny Senda’s injury and I am enjoying it.

“I had played there once when I was over in Ireland and I had an absolute nightmare. So when I was asked to play right-back I was a bit nervous.

“But it is not about me it’s about the team so I had to be positive.”

Following his initial loan spell with the club Barnet boss Lawrie Sanchez quickly made sure the deal was extended until the end of the season.

The Bees’ boss said Hector has been excellent his joining the club and expects the defender to have a bright future.

“We are playing him at right-back when he is a centre-halve or even a centre-midfielder to a certain extent. “But he has slipped into right-back following Danny’s injury and has done well.

“So I’m pleased for him and he is another lad that will go on and have a good future in the game.”