Matthias Jaissle offers high praise for Harvey Barnes after win over West Brom

Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle praised the qualities of Harvey Barnes after his second-half brace helped claim a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Brom.

An entertaining tussle at St James’ Park saw Isaac Price put the Baggies ahead with a free-kick from 25 yards out before Newcastle debutant Bazoumana Toure replied.

Barnes came off the bench at the start of the second half and made an instant impact, scoring just three minutes after the restart.

Price levelled in the 77th minute from the penalty spot, but Barnes restored the Magpies’ lead four minutes later to send them into the third round, where an away tie against Millwall beckons.

Asked about Barnes’ values, Jaissle said: “It’s not only goals. As we saw also against Liverpool he was doing a really great job, not only in possession, also out of possession.

“He is disciplined, especially also with the combination with (Lewis) Hall. We’re really pleased, I thanked him after the match, it was important that he scored.”

Jaissle was full of praise for Championship side West Brom, revealing he spoke to opposite number James Morrison after the game.

“Relieved, it’s always the most important thing in a Cup run that you take the result, that’s what we did against a strong opponent,” Jaissle said.

“I had a chat with the gaffer. They’re doing really well, I think they will play a great role in the Championship.

“But we also responded. It was important we saw character on the pitch, also after the second equaliser we stepped back and straight away we scored, that helped us of course.

“We are happy, an entertaining match for the fans. I think I would have less (of a) headache if we had not conceded the penalties.”

Prior to kick-off, Nico Gonzalez’s signing was confirmed before he was presented to the crowd and Jaissle described the midfielder as the “perfect fit”.

“We’re really happy to have him now finally here, it was a long fight,” Jaissle said.

“I’m really happy because we continue our brave way with young lads, talented players and Nico is young but also experienced, so I think this is a perfect fit and combination.

“He brings a lot of quality into the squad, this is important. We can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”

Despite being knocked out of the competition, Baggies boss Morrison expressed his pride at a battling performance from his team.

He said: “It was a really strong performance from ourselves. We knew at times we’d have to manage the momentum of Newcastle with the crowd.

“Came at us first 10 minutes, but once we got through that we caused them some problems.

“Throughout the 90 minutes we were in the game. I was proud of the lads pushing right until the end.”