But time may not be on Barnes’ side

WEST Brom’s promotion bid has been dealt a major blow amid reports Leicester plan to recall loan star Harvey Barnes.

Barnes, who is with the England Under-21s this week, has played a key part in Albion’s surge up the Championship table.

The 20-year-old, who joined on a season-long loan in the summer, has scored five goals and delivered two assists in 12 games.

His mesmerising form has caught the attention of Foxes boss Claude Puel who is reportedly planning to take the winger back in January – four months earlier than planned.

Baggies boss Darren Moore has long been resigned to the fact Barnes could be recalled midway through the season. But the move would clearly still be a bitter blow.

“There’s nothing we can do,” Moore said, when asked last week about the prospect of Barnes returning early to his parent club.

“We’re delighted to have him here, the boy is enjoying his football and long may that continue.

“When the time comes we’ll approach the situation with Leicester.

“That moment is a long way off and there’s a lot of games to play in-between. We’ll just focus on them.”

Barnes’ five goals have all been box office.

He scored a screamer on his debut against Bolton and capped a stylish team move with an emphatic effort in the 4-3 win at Norwich.

His goal in the 4-2 defeat of Bristol City was power and precision combined, while his contributions at Hillsborough and The Hawthorns, in Albion’s last two games, were not bad either.

“Harvey has scored some wonderful goals and long may it continue,” Moore said.