Barton was sent to prison yesterday for assault and affray and has been sentenced to six months in jail.

The 25-year-old England international faces an uncertain future with the club considering the verdict.

"I think some clubs would sack Joey, but I think Kevin Keegan will back him," Lee told BBC Sport.

Lee knows all about Newcastle United and manager Kevin Keegan having played under him in the 90s, making 303 appearances in a 10-year career at St James' Park.

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"He has been in trouble before and this isn't the first time he's hit the headlines so it'll be interesting to see what happens," said Lee.

"I think Keegan will stand by him purely for the fact the incident happened before he was appointed manager.

"Kevin is very loyal, but I think had this happened under his management then it would be a different situation."

Barton recently earned praise from Keegan for his Newcastle performances as the 25-year-old midfielder began to justify his transfer fee.

"We haven't seen the best of Joey Barton at Newcastle," said Lee.

"I felt over the last eight or nine games he was getting back to his best. He always had this hanging over him, and it is a major blow for him and for Newcastle.

"If it was up to me I would try and help him.

"Obviously there are some people that don't want to be helped and some that do so it is up to Joey really, though some people will say that he's had enough chances."

And Lee advised Barton to think long and hard about his lifestyle while he served his prison sentence.

"This will be his last chance because he needs to realise that he is in a profession where it is a great life but you do get people that when you go out want to take a pop at you," said Lee.

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