Source: SKY_Sports
Barton close to comeback
Newcastle manager Alan Shearer could be set to welcome Joey Barton into his first-team plans this weekend.
The combative midfielder has been out of action since breaking a metatarsal at former club Manchester City on 28th January.
Much has changed at St James' Park since then, with former fans' favourite Shearer now charged with the task of guiding the club to Premier League safety.
He has taken just two points from his first four games in charge, though, leaving the Magpies firmly entrenched in the relegation battle.
Their next port of call takes them to Anfield on Sunday for a crunch showdown with title-chasing Liverpool.
Shearer knows how vital it will be to have key men available to him this weekend, and he is hoping Barton will hand him a welcome boost by proving his fitness over the course of the next few days.
"It was not right to put Barton in on Monday night (against Portsmouth)," the Magpies coach told the Evening Chronicle.
"However, he will be having a full week's training this week. He will have that behind him for the weekend.
"He could be involved at Anfield. It all depends on how his training goes this week."