Barnes back in the running (From The Argus)

Barnes back in the running

12:30pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in Sport By Andy Naylor

Albion's limited striking options have been boosted by the return to health of Ashley Barnes for the visit to Bolton.

But he is unlikely to be put on the spot again at The Reebok.

Barnes has made a full recovery from the illness which wrecked his intended return to the starting line-up at Bristol City on Tuesday.

Top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith ruptured an Achilles in the 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate, which leaves Barnes and Leo Ulloa as loan-hunting Albion’s only recognised senior strikers in the absence also for the rest of the season of Will Hoskins (knee).

Barnes scored three goals in four games before seeing red at Sheffield Wednesday last month and serving a three-match ban.

He has made a couple of substitute appearances since then and is back in contention to face Wanderers, along with fit-again trio Wayne Bridge, Vicente and Andrew Crofts, as manager Gus Poyet considers changes to freshen up the team.

Spanish midfielder David has established himself as Albion’s penalty taker after Barnes had a spot-kick saved in the 1-1 draw with Bolton at The Amex four months ago.