Top four is still possible says Barnes
HARVEY Barnes admits he did not get time to fully enjoy his first goal back after a five-month lay off – but insists that Newcastle United’s top-four hopes are not over, writes LEE RYDER.
His 63rd-minute introduction, with Newcastle 4-2 down, helped spark the comeback at St James’ Park against Luton Town in his first appearance since September.
Back then Barnes had barely got into the match before coming off with a freak injury and then watching on as Newcastle won 8-0 at Sheffield United.
At that stage, United’s Champions League adventure was only starting in earnest after a 0-0 draw with AC Milan, with Barnes starring at the San Siro. But he would not feature again after picking up that awkward toe injury.
Now with Newcastle 13 points off the pace, Barnes wants his
return to action to coincide with a good run of results, and he feels his team-mates are capable of what would be a remarkable achievement.
When asked if he got full satisfaction from his strike against the Hatters, Barnes told The Journal: “Definitely not. When you are not winning the game or putting your side ahead, it’s just get the ball back and get going again as quickly as we can.
“We’ve got a job to do and that is to win the game. You don’t celebrate the equaliser too much unless it’s a last minute one!
“Obviously, you enjoy it as a player but not as much if it is not a winning goal.”
But he believes that Newcastle can still repeat the heroics of last season and finish in the top four, even if the odds are against the Magpies.
Barnes said: “This team is capable of great things as we showed last year. We have shown it in spells this year too. When we are on top of our game we can go on a great run and climb the table quickly.”