David Lopez insists he is still Albion’s first choice penalty taker – in principle.

But he is happy Ashley Barnes used a spot-kick against Blackburn to get off the mark for the season.

Barnes got to the ball before his team-mate to open the scoring against Rovers last month. The centre-forward also struck from the spot in Albion’s last home game against Leicester last week after David had left the field.

The Spanish midfielder, who converted four out of four last term, told The Argus: “The boss said if I’m on the pitch I take them.

“I was going to take the penalty against Blackburn but Ashley wanted to score, he felt he needed that confidence.

“The important thing is the ball went in and he hasn’t stopped scoring since.

“It can depend a bit on who is on the pitch and how they are feeling. But, in principle, if I’m on the pitch I take them.”

David, substituted in 12 of his last 13 starts, completed Albion’s 4-1 victory from the spot when Saturday’s Amex opponents Huddersfield visited last season.