Leon Barnett ready to take the step up with West Bromwich Albion

Apr 28 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

LEON Barnett is desperate for a chance to face the Premier League's big-hitters as Albion prepare for the game which could earn them promotion.

A draw in tonight's game against Southampton will be enough to clinch a Premier League place for the Baggies.

Barnett, although still very much mindful of Albion's task in their last two games, is relishing the possibility of finding himself up against the nation's very best.

And the young centre-half feels he is more than ready for top-flight football.

"I want to be in the Premiership," said Barnett.

"Whether I am ready is something for the gaffer to decide but if I got the chance to play in the Premier League I would take it with both hands.

"We've got an attacking team and other sides know that but in the Premier League we need to understand things are different.

"At the start of the season I was thinking 'imagine if I was in the Premier League playing against Ronaldo, Rooney and Adebayor.'

"But I just want to play the two games, hopefully we will get promotion and from there we can look at the challenge of playing Rooney and Ronaldo and Co.

"It's massive, not just for myself but for the whole team.

"It's a massive career boost to have the chance to play in the Premier League.

"It would be a massive opportunity that we could have and hopefully we can take it with both hands and push on further."

Barnett has to remind himself the job has yet to be done.

"At the moment I just want to concentrate on the next two games," he added.

"My sights are on promotion but I'll think about it if it comes around, which hopefully it will.

"I just want to win the two games and I can't make any forward steps before that."