'It's a dream': Alan Pardew believes Harvey Barnes will be having the time of his life at Newcastle United now

Harvey Barnes has finally been given an opportunity to have a good run in the Newcastle United starting XI and he has seized the opportunity with both hands.

Barnes is part of the same lineup that has started and won the last six games, but not only that, he is contributing with goals and assists on such a regular basis that it's almost impossible to see Anthony Gordon getting back into the side ahead of him right now.

Four goals in his last three games is an impressive stat on its own but around those goal contributions, Barnes has contributed massively to how Newcastle have performed.

With him on one side and Jacob Murphy on the other, it's genuinely baffling that Alexander Isak's goal output has been so low of late. Thankfully, Barnes and Murphy have stepped up with goals of their own.

'Harvey Barnes has always threatened to be a top player' - Alan Pardew

Former Toon boss Alan Pardew added his voice to the chorus of pundits praising Barnes lately when speaking about his form on Sky Sports on Wednesday night.

“Harvey Barnes has had one of those careers where he’s always threatened to be a top player yet, surprisingly, doesn’t always get picked. He’s had a little run in (the team) this time and his confidence is high. He takes people on, he’s got tremendous ability… he scores wonder goals as well.

“He obviously got one at the weekend when he ran all the way through the middle of Manchester United. But he’s a quality individual and, with that midfield there of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, it really is one of the top midfields in the country.

“When you’re feeding wide players and they have as much possession as they do, it’s a dream. He’s playing very well.”

Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy for England!

If Harvey Barnes is keeping Anthony Gordon out of the Newcastle team, is there a case to be made for him getting into the England team ahead of Gordon when Thomas Tuchel picks his next squad?

And after calling up Big Dan Burn at the age of 32, is it too unrealistic to suggest 30-year-old Jacob Murphy gets a shout?

We doubt it will happen, but if they keep playing the way they are, the calls will only get louder.