Eddie Howe makes 'one of the best' claim after 'innocuous' injury ruled Newcastle United star out for five months

Barnes was dropped to the bench at Molineux, despite starting and scoring in the victory against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break. However, Howe may think twice about leaving him out of his starting XI at Fulham this weekend after the winger responded by netting the winner in the 80th minute.

Having watched teammate Fabian Schar score from long distance five minutes earlier, Barnes cut inside inside of Matt Doherty before unleashing his shot into the top right corner. It was a typical Barnes finish and one United fans have already become used to seeing.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has been restricted to 28 appearances, only 10 of which have been starts, since joining from Leicester City for £38million last summer. Barnes missed five months of last season because of a foot injury but has been fit and available for all-but two games since February.

“He had a difficult season last year going into a new club and the big transfer fee,” admitted Howe. “He was very excited with Champions League football ahead then picked up an innocuous injury against Sheffield United. We missed him for a long period of the season and that really hurt us and I'm sure hurt him. His qualities are undoubted, he's a goalscorer with the winner, they are in short supply and there's not many around.

“He's probably one of the best finishing wingers I've ever seen and you always feel when he's on the pitch that you've got a chance of scoring a goal. I think his performances have steadily improved the longer he's been fit. He's going to be a key player for us this year.”

Barnes has been directly involved in 11 goals in his 25 Premier League appearances for Newcastle - seven goals and four assists - averaging a goal or assist every 87 minutes.