Barnes wait does not worry Luggy
Sturrock believes the all-round play of Barnes has merited his inclusion in the starting line-up for recent matches.
Barnes made his Championship debut for Argyle as a substitute in the 3-0 home defeat by Derby County on February 7.
He has made a further nine appearances since then, which includes starting the last seven games.
Barnes has come close to scoring for the Pilgrims on several occasions, but his first goal is proving elusive.
Even so, Sturrock has been pleased with the performances of Barnes, especially as they have come with Argyle fighting against relegation.
That includes the crucial 1-0 victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
Sturrock said: "I think he has run the line very well and he has linked us up. The one fly in the ointment to him is that he hasn't scored a goal.
"He had one or two half-chances again on Saturday and things bobbled the wrong way for him, but he definitely gives us a presence up front."
Barnes has been paired in attack with Jamie Mackie for the last two matches and their whole-hearted endeavour has been impressive.
Sturrock said: "The two of them look as though they are well suited to playing alongside each other.
"I have been pretty comfortable with them."
Sturrock continued: "Some of the other strikers will probably point the finger at Ashley at this minute in time because of his lack of goals, but he has brought other things to the table."
Asked whether Barnes was worried about not scoring, Sturrock replied: "He is, because that is what Ashley is all about.
"But he has added another side to his game. I always thought we would have to work on his linkage, but it has finished up as one of his strengths.
"The icing on the cake for him now would be to rattle in three or four goals in the last five games. It would be a huge relief for him, and for everybody."
Recently-signed striker Rudy Douala was among the substitutes for Argyle against Blackpool.
But the Cameroon international, 30, was not given the chance to make his debut.
Sturrock said: "There were a couple of times I thought about using him, but it was a difficult game in which to put anybody on.
"He (Douala) wants it to his feet and there were very few balls at feet on Saturday because of the conditions. You had to go and battle your corner first.
"I also felt that bringing Gall (Paul Gallagher) through the middle and putting Jamie onto the wing was always an option I had, and it definitely worked."
Gallagher was substituted in the closing stages of the contest, with Rory Fallon taking over from him, not Douala.
"We knew the last five minutes would be all long throws and corners, so we put Rory on just to give us that extra bit of height," said Sturrock. "I think it was the right decision to make."
Argyle are waiting on the outcome of a scan on the medial knee ligament injury sustained by their on-loan Manchester United centre-back Craig Cathcart in the game against Blackpool.
Cathcart hobbled off in the second half at Bloomfield Road, and was replaced by Chris Barker.
He stayed in the North West afterwards so he could have the injury assessed by United's medical staff.
But, even at this early stage of the week, Cathcart must be a doubt for the visit of Coventry City to Home Park this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Sturrock has revealed that injury-plagued striker Emile Mpenza has been laid low by a virus.
Mpenza only returned to training from a torn hamstring last week.
Argyle supporters have until May 1 to take up the option of buying their 2009/10 season tickets by direct debit.
The cost can be spread over 10 interest-free, monthly repayments.
The 'We'll Be There' season ticket drive was launched at Argyle's game against Burnley at Home Park last month.
Packs containing Green membership renewal and new application forms were placed on every seat that day.
They contained all the details on prices and deadlines.
These packs have replaced the renewal letters that have, in the past, been posted to every season ticket holder.
There has been some confusion among supporters over this.
But Rick Cowdery, Argyle's head of communications, said: "If anyone wants a pack, they can contact me, preferably via email, and I will help them out."
His email address is rick.cowdery@pafc.co.uk.
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