‘I was disappointed’ - Harvey Barnes admits Newcastle United frustration after being asked Anthony Gordon question
Harvey Barnes bagged a crucial brace as Newcastle United beeat Leeds United in stoppage time.
Harvey Barnes has insisted he is happy to play wherever Eddie Howe asks him to at Newcastle United.
Much of the pre-match chatter centred around whether Barnes - not Anthony Gordon - should be given the nod on the left. Both wingers prefer that side but Howe has usually picked Gordon to fulfill the role.
As a result, Barnes - who bagged a brace to put Leeds United to the sword last night - has rarely been given an extended run in his favoured position. Despite often being shoehorned on the right flank - or benched completely - the 28-year-old has still scored nine goals across all competitions this season.
Harvey Barnes on Anthony Gordon rivalry
Ahead of the Leeds win, Howe suggested Gordon does not “enjoy” playing on the right. Fans had grown frustrated in recent weeks at Barnes being seemingly shoehorned out of position to accommodate an out-of-form teammate.
Barnes scored from both wide positions on Wednesday, albeit Gordon helped create his first goal from a right-sided attack. Forever the team player, the Toon winger vowed to perform no matter where he is asked to play.
“For me, that's not a real concern. I don't pick the team. I don't choose where people play.
“I've been out of the team for the last few weeks, so for me it's just been about when I do get an opportunity, like tonight, taking it and making sure whether I'm on the right, whether I'm on the left.
“I'll do a job and I feel like I'll always find myself in goal-scoring opportunities. I was on the right for a lot and scored there and went over to the left later on. I scored from the left, from the six-yard box, but I know I can affect the game as long as I'm on the pitch.”
‘Disappointing’ - Harvey Barnes
Newcastle’s match-winner confessed to being frustrated on several occasions since joining the club in 2023. However, Barnes has not allowed that to disrupt his self-confidence when called upon.
“Of course, as a player, you want to play every game,” Barnes added. “You want to really go and kick on. Like I said, I've been out of the team for the last few weeks and that was disappointing, missing big games which I was disappointed to miss out on. When I have played this year, I've taken my chances and done well.
“I'll just continue to do that and hopefully kick on, keep scoring important goals for the club and really push us forward. Whether that's left, right, middle, I don't know. It doesn't really affect me. As long as I'm on the pitch, I can affect the game.”