Barnes denies diving charge

Albion winger Giles Barnes today denied diving as he helped the Baggies take another huge step towards the Premier League.

Last night's crucial 2-0 win at Swansea was tainted by accusations that Barnes went down too easily to win his side their all-important late penalty.

But Barnes hit back at the claims by Swans boss Paulo Sousa and insisted he was fouled by Angel Rangel to allow Graham Dorrans to open the scoring with a 79th-minute spot-kick.

Barnes said: "I faced him up, checked inside, faked to shoot and then dragged the ball to the side of him.

"As he tried to turn with me his knee caught my knee, so that's a penalty."

It was Barnes' second controversial penalty in two games and Dorrans took his goals tally to 15 for the season as he set the Baggies on their way to a priceless win.

And Barnes said: "Dozza has got that cool, calm head about him and he's the sort of player you want in your team and taking your penalties.

"We haven't really got a problem when he steps up.

"It was good for me to go on and have an impact but if I hadn't gone on there was plenty of talent on the bench and on the pitch that could have done the same thing.

"It's all credit to the boys who started and the subs who didn't get on, along with the squad and the management, because we've got something special going here."

The win left the Baggies eight points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest with nine games remaining, but Barnes is adamant they are taking nothing for granted.

He said: "We've just got to concentrate on winning, winning, winning and not concentrate on who is behind us and who is on top of us.

"We just want to keep that mentality and as long as we do that we think we'll be okay.

"It's a big lead but we can't take anything for granted.

"We've just got to concentrate on winning games and that's our main focus.

"I have said before when people have asked me this question, the whole thing is still open.

"There are still nine games to go and a lot can happen in nine games.

"People can lose form towards the end and people can go on little runs.

"There are a lot of points up for grabs so we've got to keep our heads and keep winning."