Luca Connell is looking forward to returning to Bolton this weekend and has “nothing but respect” for the club.

The midfielder burst onto the scene when Phil Parkinson was in charge and was later prized away by Celtic.

He failed to make an impression on the first-team picture with the Scottish giants and – following a couple of loan spells at Queen’s Park – returned to English football with Barnsley.

Connell was involved against the Whites in the play-off semi-final last season, setting up Liam Kitching’s goal at Oakwell.

"I have nothing but respect for Bolton and everyone that has something to do with that club,” he reflected.

“Obviously, I would not be where I am today without them. I look forward to going back, seeing some old faces and hopefully having a good game."

Barnsley sit fifth in the League One table under Neill Collins, who took charge in the summer following Michael Duff’s move to Swansea.

The Tykes were on a nine-game unbeaten run prior to their 2-1 defeat against Exeter last time out.

"It is tight at the top, definitely,” said Connell. “More teams than there were last year. It is good that these games can be make or break for the season.

“It is only very close with the points. If you can manage to beat them once, it is unbelievable if you can beat them twice. It gives you a massive advantage in the league as well."

He added: "We have just put a great unbeaten run together but I still think in the unbeaten run we could have been better.

“Some more wins in there instead of draws, but again a couple of performances we have possibly got away with one. We take a pinch of salt, just keep cracking on and win as many games as you can."

The 22-year-old missed the first months of the campaign due to an illness, which kept him out of action for 158 days.

Connell was absent from the squad that won 1-0 at Oxford on January 23 before coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes against Exeter, but the midfielder insists he is ready to go this weekend.

"I am okay now, I am fine,” he explained. “It was just a stomach bug. I think the physios were just careful with me obviously with what I've just come back from.

“I just had to miss the game and then I couldn't start Tuesday. I feel alright though, ready to go."