Albion boss Oscar Garcia insists he is loving the pressure of trying to reach the play-offs.

The Spaniard feels much more comfortable in the Seagulls’ position than the relegation fight facing today’s hosts Barnsley.

Albion are three points off the top six in the Championship, Barnsley three points from safety.

Maccabi Tel Aviv romped to their first Israeli title in ten years under Oscar last season. Now the former Barcelona star is relishing the close race in his first season in English football.

He told The Argus: “This pressure is lovely compared to the pressure of being involved in a relegation battle or the pressure some teams have because they have spent a lot of money.

“It’s good pressure because we can only achieve good things. The fans and the players have to enjoy it.

“The fans can be sure all the players will fight until the end of the season to pick up as many points as possible.”

Oscar expects Barnsley, boosted by successive wins, to be as hard to crack as champions-elect Leicester, who entertain Albion on Tuesday.

He said: “It’s difficult to find a team that is not involved in anything. All the games are tough, all the teams are playing for something, and no game in this league is easy.”