Express & Star

Harvey Barnes: I'm loving every game at West Brom

Harvey Barnes is loving every minute for Albion because Darren Moore’s attacking approach suits him perfectly.

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Harvey Barnes. (AMA)

The young loanee sparkled again on Friday, setting up both Baggies goals in a 2-1 win away from home at fellow promotion candidates Sheffield United.

The newly-turned 21-year-old is one of the most dangerous attacking talents in the Championship, and now has eight goals and six assists to his name this season.

Barnes could be recalled from his season-loan next month by parent club Leicester City, but he insists he’s enjoying his time in blue and white stripes.

“I’m loving every game at the minute,” he said. “We’re a very attacking side so for me that’s perfect.

“I’m playing a different role, as a striker but on the left, it’s all about staying up the pitch a bit more.

“Defensively, I’m learning that side of things and about hitting them on the counter.

“For me, either getting assists or scoring is great, whichever one helps the team out. But as a team we’re performing really well going forward and defensively.”

The Baggies are currently on a six-game unbeaten run, and recorded an impressive victory over the Blades at the start of the weekend.

Albion have also put four goals past each of the top two this season, and Barnes insists the Baggies fear no-one in the division.

“It speaks for itself,” said Barnes, of the victory at Bramall Lane. “We’ve performed really well against the big teams throughout the season.

“Whoever we come up against we’ll be looking to take three points every game.

“We went through that tricky period and we knew we would come out of it stronger.

“Our previous two results [which were draws] didn’t reflect on our performances but six unbeaten is a good record for anyone in this league. We’ll hope to continue that.”

Boss Darren Moore has reiterated how important Barnes is for Albion’s promotion chase ahead of the January transfer window.

“Harvey’s had a tremendous first half of the season,” said Moore. “We’re delighted to have him here with us.

“He’s very important to us because of his speed and the threat that he carries, his ball manipulation in tight areas is fantastic.

“When he’s in front of goal he carries a goal threat, he’s important.”