PUBLISHED
19:33 9th November 2013
by Adam Tighe
Ashley Barnes is not resting on his laurels after scoring his 50th goal for Albion in the 3-0 win against Blackburn.The striker netted a brace against Rovers, including a first-half penalty, and he is already turning his attentions to adding to the tally.
He told seagulls.co.uk, “I’m delighted to get 50 goals and it’s a massive achievement, but obviously I don’t want to stop here, I want to keep going until the end of the season.
“Obviously a goal is a goal and it took so much pressure off me scoring that penalty. I’ve been waiting for something fluky all season and then it fell to me today – but I’m delighted and it’s a relief too.
“I’m confident in my own ability and I know I can put it in the back of the net. I picked up the ball, put it down and scored.
“The second goal was a poacher’s goal and I’m just delighted to have scored two today and we won.”
Today's goals were the first in the league for Barnes this season but he says he does not let criticism he has faced get him down and that it comes with the territory of being a professional footballer.
“I’ve had it before I came here and I’m getting it now I’m here, but it's just one of those things, it’s not a problem.
“I take it on the chin – whatever anyone thinks is their own opinion and everyone has their say but all I want to do is give my 100 per cent.
“Obviously it’s the gaffer’s decision to play me so if he didn’t like me then we’d have a problem but I’m playing and I’ve just got to keep going and work hard for the team.”
However, the striker admitted football opinions pale into insignificance following the tribute paid to Lance Corporal James Brynin prior to kick-off, in the presence of his family.
“It puts everything into perspective. You can moan all you like on the football pitch but they’ve lost a son. I hope they enjoyed it today.”
Original article