SCUNTHORPE United boss Ian Baraclough is a man with a plan.

With three points at Barnsley tonight potentially lifting the Iron out of the relegation zone, should other results go their way, it could be a return to attritional attacking football at Oakwell.

The tactical side of the managerial game is something Baraclough clearly enjoys.

But after a 1-0 victory over Swansea on Saturday, he admits the decisions he has to make become even harder.

"It does give me a thrill when you try to formulate a plan, and then put that into action," he said.

"Certainly when you see it go right, sad as it may seem, that gives me my joy!

"I can no longer score a goal or affect a game in that way.

"So, to test yourself against other managers and coaches is something I certainly always look forward to.

"I relish that challenge.

"But I don't want to be known as someone who tinkers with the team for tinkering's sake.

"Players have got to be comfortable first and foremost in what you're asking them to do.

"When you're looking at your plan, it's got to revolve around what personnel you've got.

"Barnsley play a different style to Swansea, and we're away from home.

"On the back of a win, people will say, why have you changed a winning team? You've got that to think about, and you've got to consider energy levels."

Whatever team and system he sends out this evening, Baraclough is keen to point out it will not simply be a defensively-minded one.

"There's a myth about formations," he said.

"It can be construed as being defensive or attack-minded, but, for me, it's how people perceive it on the day.

"If people want to look at it as playing 4-5-1, then so be it, but I've tried to attack most games.

"I think it's dangerous when you do try to sit back and take pressure."

The same applies to any hint of complacency following a memorable victory over the weekend.

Baraclough has drilled it into his players there is still much work to be done to secure survival.

"It's pleasing to be able to look at the league table and say we are in striking distance," he said.

"But there's so many games left to play.

"We cannot just rest on our home form.

"We can't beat one of the top teams in Swansea, and then expect that every other result is just going to fall our way.

"If we do manage to get out of the bottom three, then you do need to keep ticking on to try to make it more of a gap.

"There's no time for resting for anyone."