Barton secures Kinnear praise
29 Oct 2008 - 07:45:26
Newcastle United's interim boss Joe Kinnear praised midfielder Joey Barton for his performance in the 2-1 home victory over West Bromwich Albion.
The 26-year-old netted the opening goal from the penalty spot at St James' Park, having been handed his first start for the Magpies since being released from prison.
Kinnear said after the win: "He would have been in serious trouble if he hadn't scored from it, because Oba Martins was the penalty-taker. It's normally Michael Owen, but Joey grabbed it.
"I think he wanted to prove a point and he put it away very well. I am really pleased for him. We can just let him play football now and get on with it.
"It's an opportunity not to get back into the good books, but an opportunity to have a relationship with the fans.
"He was bought for more than £5million, so he has got to play up to that price. He has got to be given every chance.
"I hate digging up the past and it won't ever make him any better in some people's eyes, but in football terms, he has done himself a power of good.
"He is a confident lad. He is a good, all-round footballer, a very confident person and as I said, he is an expensive buy and he has got to be given every chance."