Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is not allowing his run-in with the American authorities to hamper his preparations for the new season.
The 28-year-old is not on the club's US tour after being denied an entry visa because of his criminal record, and instead travelled to Holland as part of Peter Beardsley's development squad.
Barton scored and hit the post with a penalty in Thursday night's 2-2 draw with Hollandia, and the former Manchester City man told the club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "Every season's a big season and at a club like Newcastle, there's no time to rest on your laurels."
He added: "You've got to keep pushing on and we have invested in a few players who all look to be good additions to the squad.
"It's all about kicking on and building on what we did last season.
"That's pre-season and whether you're out with the lads in Holland, like I am now, or with the first-team in America, I think the key is being right for August 13 against Arsenal.
"That's the one everyone's aiming at."
Source: PA
