Brighton: Gus Poyet hails Ashley Barnes's attitude

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet says Ashley Barnes has shown the right attitude after the forward returned from his seven-match suspension.

The 23-year-old hit a brace in the 6-1 win over Blackpool on Saturday.

He told BBC Sussex: "I'm pleased for him. I know how much it hurts with the problem that he had and how difficult it was to cope with seven games away.

"I know how much we missed him because he wants to play for us, do well and help the team somehow."

The Uruguayan added: "Sometimes it's with quality and goals and sometimes it's working hard and giving us an extra option at the back, which shows he cares for the football club.

"If there was one player who needed a little bit of luck it was Ash, so we are delighted for him."

Barnes, banned for attempting to trip the referee in last month's defeat to Bolton, took his tally to nine goals in 35 appearances for the Seagulls this season.

The former Plymouth man was grateful to be handed a place in the starting line-up against Blackpool after Poyet decided to rest Leonardo Ulloa.

"I found out I was playing just before kick-off but I was just delighted to be in the squad," Barnes told BBC Sussex.

"I hadn't scored for a while so to come back and get two goals was brilliant.

"It's always frustrating if you're not playing but I'm back now, that's forgotten and I need to move on.

"I just want to stay thank you to the manager and everyone who stuck by me."