The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Barnes’ selfless joke after West Ham brace
HARVEY Barnes joked that he wasn’t worthy of man of the match despite his two Easter thunderbolts against West Ham – but admits he is capable of causing even more damage when handed a start.
The £38million star took his tally to four goals for the season and declared himself “100%” fit and ready to lead the line against Everton. Barnes made it clear he does not want the role as super sub or an impact man from the bench.
Despite being many people’s shout for man of the match Barnes, played that down and said: “I wasn’t!” After overcoming a foot injury and a more recent hamstring problem, Barnes hopes he can excel in the final nine games.
After getting the run-in off to a flying start, Barnes told The Chronicle: “Whenever I am fit or put myself forward – I am ready to start. I would not make myself available if not.
“Whenever I am available, I’m ready to play. Games like West Ham I will do everything I can to come off the bench and put myself in the manager’s mind (for a start).
“It was a good game, very good and obviously we were disappointed to be behind in the game. But in the end it turned out to be a great result.”
Speaking about his recent absence, which resulted in him missing both the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea and FA Cup exit at Man City, Barnes said: “It was just a little knock. With the break it was just a case of taking a little extra time to get back. But I am 100% fit now.”
And Barnes came across as a player far from satisfied with just his contributions against West Ham, indicating he wants to bring much more to the table.
He said: “I helped the team get the winning goal. That’s what I was brought on to the pitch to do – to be there for those moments.”
Newcastle’s fight-back from 3-1 down came on a day in which Jamaal Lascelles, Miguel Almiron and Tino Livramento were all lost to injury. But the 26-yearold former Leicester City star believes that such setbacks have never kept Newcastle down this term.
Barnes said: “It has been a rollercoaster season with injuries but we have always had the same work ethic and belief. That is always there. The West Ham game epitomised that.”
Newcastle will now be eyeing back-to-back wins with Everton next up tomorrow night at St James’ Park. Barnes paid tribute to the atmosphere created by the Magpies supporters.
He said: “We had felt it and felt how important they were to get back in the game. The atmosphere changed. We need that again against Everton and for the rest of the season.”