Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies hope for Barton lift

22 Jan 2009 - 08:31:29

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Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear believes Joey Barton's return from injury can provide the Magpies with a timely boost.

The controversial midfielder was a second-half substitute during last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers, which saw the club's winless run in the league stretch to five games.

Barton had missed the previous ten games with a knee ligament problems but continued his comeback with a run-out for the reserves earlier in the week.

"Having Joey back is a big bonus," Kinnear told the club's official website.

"I thought it was important to give him a run-out at Blackburn and then again in Tuesday's game with Carlisle.

"He has a great desire to win and is a box-to-box midfielder who will give his all.

"He could be a very important player for us between now and the end of the season."