PUBLISHED
13:22 17th September 2013
by Adam Tighe
We are looking for a big performance from him (Barnes) because we believe in him"
Nathan Jones
Assistant manager Nathan Jones has backed Ashley Barnes to make his mark during Leonardo Ulloa’s suspension.Albion’s Argentinean top scorer starts a three-match ban after his dismissal at Reading on Sunday, but Jones believes the Seagulls' number nine can be a perfect replacement.Nathan Jones
He told seagulls.co.uk, "We have been without Ash for a little bit due to injury but now he comes in, and we are looking for a big performance from him because we believe in him.
“He trains well, he trains hard, and although we haven’t decided on our team yet, he is in the same mould as Leo so he fits the bill.
“We will still miss Leo, any club in this division would, because he is one of the best forwards about.”*
But the Welshman is confident the side can cope with the loss of Ulloa and paid tribute to the quality of players at Oscar Garcia’s disposal.
“We have a competitive squad and to be involved as a coach of these players is fantastic. I enjoy watching us play and there is a real buzz about the place.
“It is just such a shame that not everyone is fit because we have such a good group. We lack probably one little thing which we are endeavouring to add to the squad but we are proud of what we have, which is a testament to the club.”
After securing an impressive point in the goalless draw at the Madejski Stadium at the weekend, Jones’s attention has now turned to another tough away trip at QPR.
“Coming into the season you would see this as the hardest fixture with the squad and budget they have, and after just coming down from the Premier League it is always going to be hard to go there.
“The start they have had has been fantastic and they have a good manager with a plethora of quality players, so we know it will be a tough place to go and we will need to be at our best.
“However we are in good form ourselves and we are confident in how we play so we are relishing the challenge.
“Loftus Road has a great atmosphere; it is a tight ground - a proper football ground, and a great place to play football.”
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