‘I was disappointed’ – Harvey Barnes opens up after Newcastle heroics

Harvey Barnes admitted he was “disappointed” at times this season but insisted he has no issue playing out of position after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time brace to seal Newcastle United’s win over Leeds United.

The winger was the decisive figure on Wednesday night as Newcastle United edged past Leeds United, ending weeks of debate over whether Barnes or Anthony Gordon should start on the left flank.

Much of the pre-match focus centred on Barnes’ role, with Anthony Gordon usually preferred on the left despite recent struggles. Barnes, by contrast, has often been used on the right or left out altogether.

That context made his performance even more significant. Barnes scored from both wide positions, with Gordon involved in the build-up to the opener, underlining the winger’s versatility and end product.

Despite rarely enjoying an extended run in his preferred role, Harvey Barnes now has nine goals in all competitions this season.

Barnes was keen to stress that selection decisions are not his concern and that his focus remains on impacting games when given the chance.

“For me, that's not a real concern. I don't pick the team. I don't choose where people play,” Barnes said after the match. “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.

“Whether I'm on the right, whether I'm on the left, I'll do a job. I feel like I'll always find myself in goal-scoring opportunities.”

The 28-year-old also acknowledged his disappointment at missing recent fixtures, but stressed that frustration has not affected his confidence.

“Of course, as a player, you want to play every game,” he 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 keep scoring important goals for the club.”

Barnes added that his influence is not tied to a specific position. “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.”

Newcastle’s next fixtures will test whether Barnes’ display forces a rethink from Eddie Howe. With goals proving decisive in tight matches, Howe now has renewed competition on the flanks as the season intensifies.

Should Barnes now start regularly on the left — or does Howe stick with Gordon despite the renewed debate?