Giles Barnes is hoping his injury nightmare is behind him after spending more than 14-months on the treatment table. The former Derby and Fulham starlet made his long awaited return to competitive football against Sheffield Wednesday in the week and is now hoping for a fresh start at the Baggies.
The former free agent signed an 18-month contract at The Hawthorns in the summer and admitted he’s matured after his career was in the balance. Barnes, who broke into Derby’s reserves at just 14, believes he’s more humble than before and a better person as a result.
"I would say I am more humble now,” said the 22-year-old.
"It's not that I was a bighead before but you could tell when I'd had a good game or a good training session.
"But you don't need to tell anybody how well you did because they have seen it for themselves.
"You know if you have played well yourself and other people know you have played well, you don't need to tell everybody about it.
"It's just about keeping humble because next week you might have a bad game and then you won't be saying as much.
"You've just got to take the rough with the smooth and hopefully make the smooth times more common."
Barnes in now aiming to build his fitness levels after his second chance in professional football. The pacy winger made his Albion debut during a seven-minute cameo against the Owls and is now hoping to force his way into Roberto Di Matteo’s selection plans.
"It's up to the head coach," he continued.
"But I wouldn't say this season is just for getting fit.
"I want to play games and show everybody what I can do.
"That's why I like football.
"Next week somebody could be injured and you could be in, then it's your chance to grab the shirt and you could play the next ten games.
"I want to make as big an impact as I can.
"I am very, very grateful for everything that everyone here has done for me so, in a sense I feel a loyalty to pay them back."
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