Wembley cloud has silver lining for Leon

Defensive rock Leon Barnett revealed how victory against fierce rivals Wolves helped him overcome the misery of missing out on Wembley.

Barnett was injured for the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth, but an injury to fellow defender Martin Albrechtsen allowed him to reclaim his place last week.

And he said he revelled in his first appearance at Molineux in Albion colours.

“I’ve been lucky in a way,” said the former Luton man. “I got injured just before Wembley and I was unfortunate not be involved in that, but then bounced back with my first start.

“To to to Molineux, with a massive crowd in a derby game, to keep a clean sheet and win - I couldn’t ask for any more.

“I thought the lads dug deep and we deserved the win. We were both scrapping for the points, but we went in there in a positive mood and came away with a vital win.”And Barnett believes the Baggies have seized a vital advantage in the promotion race.

“It was a big game for us and the fans, especially given the way the table has gone,” he said.

“The other teams are playing catch up now and it’s in our hands. We just need to keep performing and I’m sure the results will come.

“We will have a day off today and tomorrow we resume training with Norwich in mind. We need to be sharp and ready.

“We have to go there in a positive mood and do the business.”

Meanwhile, derby-day talisman Kevin Phillips did not get on the scoresheet again against Wolves.

But he set up the winner for Zoltan Gera and after the match he was brimming with excitement about the match and the atmosphere for the latest Black Country skirmish.

“Everything was there - pride and passion,” said the 24-goal leading scorer.

“We knew if we won we’d have an excellent chance of going up. It’s a very happy dressing room.

“I liked the wet conditions - tackles were flying in and the atmosphere was excellent.

“We showed extreme resilience. They piled on a lot of pressure, but I think on chances created we deserved to win the game.

“We managed to get that crucial goal that we couldn’t get on Saturday when we dominated the game against Watford.

“It was a massive win for us. It’s been one of those seasons where it looks as if no-one wants to win the league.

“But I think we’ve come good at the right time. When you’re top of the league, everyone wants to beat you.

“We’ve got three games left now - and three tough games - but ones we can win.”

Meanwhile, Phillips’ ‘assist’ for the winning goal earned a post-match salute from scorer Zoltan Gera.

The Hungarian said: “It was a great ball from Kev after a great first touch and for me it was easy from there. I just had to take the chance.

“Sometimes there is pressure on you when it is an easy chance in a big game or a derby.

“But I didn’t think about what would happen if I missed.

“I just concentrated on my chance and I was very happy that I scored,” added the midfielder.