Source: Telegraph
Joey Barton set to play pivotal role in Newcastle United's promotion push
Barton has proved to be a taxing employee thanks to on-field and off-field issues since he joined Newcastle United but his agent, Willie McKay, is convinced he will show his worth this season.[LNB]The former Manchester City player's time on Tyneside has been blighted by the six-month prison sentence for assault followed by a dressing-room bust-up with interim manager Alan Shearer as Newcastle headed towards relegation.[LNB] Related ArticlesBest: Newcastle must cope with hypeShepherd warns Chelsea not to rush Cole backSousa praises 'perfect' SwanseaSwansea 1 Newcastle 1Newcastle defeat a 'wake-up call'Newcastle unsure over Joey Barton returnDespite the inauspicious past, Barton is being backed to repay his club when he eventually returns from a prolonged injury-enforced lay-off.[LNB]Barton has not played since last September after undergoing surgery on a foot injury but McKay is adamant that he will make up for lost time as Newcastle aim to restore Premier League football to St James' Park.[LNB]Barton's comeback has been hampered by the Arctic weather conditions that gripped the North-East last month but McKay believes he will be back in action in February with his injury problems left firmly behind.[LNB]'Joey can't wait to be involved again,' McKay said. 'He's had no setback but he has rushed back before for the team and ended up being injured again.[LNB]'There's no need for him to rush he said to me he will be back in February at some point and nothing has changed.[LNB]'When he does come back it will be like having a new signing for Newcastle.[LNB]'He's keen to play his part and, with his experience at Premier League level, he can be a real asset to Newcastle in the run-in.[LNB]'Joey loves Newcastle and he is desperate to play a part in taking them back to the top.'[LNB]Newcastle, currently leading the Championship, will host Coventry on Wednesday night with Darren Ferguson's Preston providing the opposition this Saturday.[LNB]
