ASHLEY BARNES is only one match away from an unlikely escape from suspension.

Saturday’s postponement at Blackburn Rovers means the Albion striker just has to survive without a yellow card against Watford on Saturday to avoid a ban for five bookings.

The cut-off date is December 31 and Barnes has stayed on four cautions since the win at Watford in mid-September, a run of 16 appearances.

Manager Gus Poyet said: "He needs to look after himself. If it is something he needs to do for the team then fine but he needs to be careful about things he can avoid."

Barnes has been on the bench for Albion’s last two games at home to Nottingham Forest and Millwall.