Barnett | ‘We worked hard and got our rewards’

Ty Barnett has admitted he is focused on continuing to increase his numbers in front of goal and output as an attacking midfielder.

The youngster scored twice on Friday evening as Wolves under-21s defeated Arsenal in Premier League 2, as the Gunners were beaten for just the second time all season. Barnett’s brace included two different types of goals – the first being a low driven effort from the edge of the box, before he showed hunger to get into the penalty area for his second and what turned out to be the winner. Barnett has explained the process of having to be patient to secure the three points, while highlighting areas of his own game that impressed him on the night and where he wants to keep improving.

On beating Arsenal

“It was really tough but we stuck in. I’m happy to score two and it was a great result.

“They’re a really good side and we knew that before the game and with how we set up. We couldn’t just go out and press because they’re good players and they’ll play around it, so we gave them a bit of respect but we worked hard and got our rewards.”

On scoring two goals

“In these games those moments are sometimes what define a game. We had to be patient and they had a lot of the ball in the first half, but we took our chances and got the three points.

“I saw that Owen (Farmer) had a lot of space and I saw it open in the six-yard box so I thought ‘let me get in there as quick as I can’. It was a bit behind me but I managed to dig it out.

“It’s something that I want to improve on. There are times, like James (Collins) said for me to get in the box more and not just rely on the first one where it was more about technique.

“It’s really important for me. Not just as a midfielder, but as an attacking midfielder. Those stats are sometimes all people look at so I’m really happy that I got two and it’s hopefully something I’ll be able to add to for the rest of the season.”

On being around the first-team and developing with the under-21s

“It’s been a really great experience when I was down there. It’s been a tough season for me personally because I’ve had a few injuries so I’m really happy in that sense that I was able to perform well, get two goals and win the game.

“We’re having ups and downs like the last game but I think we bounced back really well. We’ve done well in the International Cup so that’s something to look forward to. We’re also up there in the league now so we’re really happy with that.”