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.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. 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.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.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.'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.'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.'When he does come back it will be like having a new signing for Newcastle.'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.'Joey loves Newcastle and he is desperate to play a part in taking them back to the top.'Newcastle, currently leading the Championship, will host Coventry on Wednesday night with Darren Ferguson's Preston providing the opposition this Saturday.

Source: Telegraph