Harvey Barnes has sent a determined message to Newcastle United supporters after insisting the Magpies will fight to finish the season strongly despite another frustrating result.
The winger came off the bench to fire Newcastle ahead against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, continuing his impressive scoring form with his 16th goal of the campaign.
But what should have been a crucial victory slipped away late on after former Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson struck an equaliser for Forest, forcing Eddie Howe’s side to settle for a draw.
The result added to a worrying statistic for Newcastle, who have now dropped 27 points from winning positions this season.
Despite the disappointment, Barnes remained confident both in his own ability and the team’s mentality heading into the final two matches of the campaign.
“I’m someone who will always back myself when I get in front of goal,” Barnes told NUFC TV.
“I know what I’m capable of doing.”
The England international credited his consistency and rhythm this season for helping him rediscover top form in front of goal.
“I think playing more regularly this year has helped,” he explained. “The confidence in front of goal and on the pitch has gone well for me.”
Barnes admitted frustration that his latest strike did not ultimately secure all three points, but he remains focused on ending the season positively.
“I’m delighted with the goal,” he added. “But obviously it’s disappointing that it didn’t mean more in the end.”
Newcastle’s hopes of finishing the season strongly remain alive, and Barnes made it clear the squad still sees every remaining fixture as significant.
“For us, every game matters,” he said.
“We want to win our last two games, finish as high in the league as possible and end the season positively.”
The winger also delivered a heartfelt message to supporters ahead of Newcastle’s final home fixture at St James’ Park.
“It would be great to do that at St James’,” Barnes continued. “We want to thank the fans for this season and put in two good performances for them.”
Barnes has become one of Newcastle’s most reliable attacking threats during the latter stages of the campaign, stepping up in key moments while injuries and inconsistency affected other areas of the squad.
However, Newcastle’s recurring inability to hold onto leads continues to haunt them at a crucial stage of the season.
Now, with two matches remaining, Howe’s side must quickly regroup if they are to finish the campaign on a positive note and give supporters renewed optimism heading into next season.
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