Ismael impact hailed

LUTON v BARNSLEY

DOMINIK FRIESER has hailed Valerien Ismael’s “unbelievable mentality” as Barnsley close in on a play-off spot.

Tykes boss Ismael has worked wonders at Oakwell and transformed a side who scraped to safety last season into serious promotion contenders.

They lie fifth with seven games remaining and travel to Luton tomorrow.

Austrian midfielder Frieser (below) said: “The manager brings an unbelievable mentality to us and that’s so important in what we’re trying to achieve here.

“We know that we’re good footballers and have everything here to be a good team.

“But maybe he has opened our eyes and shown us that we can see how good we can actually be.

“Before, we knew it, but we didn’t show it on the pitch. Under Ismael, our true ability is shining through.”

Frieser played under Ismael at LASK Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, adding: “I obviously know the gaffer’s style of football and mindset.

“When he speaks, everyone is quiet and we do what he wants for us and it works, so let’s see what we can achieve.”

New recruit Elijah Adebayo has apologised to Luton fans for failing to score in Friday’s 2-0 defeat at Derby.

The forward, who arrived from Walsall, missed several opportunities and took to social media after to say sorry.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones admitted: “It is a massive learning curve, but he should have more goals than he has already.”