Joey Barton aims to bounce back in style
JOEY Barton has signalled his intention to return to action with Newcastle United – sooner rather than later.
The midfielder – who made his competitive comeback from a six-month injury lay-off in a reserve game at Hartlepool United last night – is itching to make up for lost time in a black and white shirt.
And Barton – whose St James's Park career has been beset by injury and off-the-field problems – is confident he's fit enough to be considered for Saturday's visit to Bristol City.
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The 27-year-old – who suffered a foot injury at home to Plymouth Argyle in September – even believes he can return a better player.
"Since I've been at Newcastle, I've had three broken feet and a torn medial ligament – plus a well-documented spell in the clink – and numerous other problems," said Barton.
"But I'm someone who will bounce back. Hopefully, I can just get a sustained run.
"I'm confident in my own ability. It's not going to be easy for me, but I believe in myself greatly. At one stage I was in the top echelon of midfielders in this country.
"There's certainly none of my ability lost – I actually feel I'm a better player now – but I've got to stay fit to prove it.
"It's all well and good talking about it, but I've got to prove it, and that starts, hopefully if I'm selected, on Saturday."
Barton, however, knows leading scorer Kevin Nolan, captain Alan Smith and in-form Danny Guthrie, among others, stand in his way of making an instant return to Chris Hughton's Championship-leading side.
"Of course it's going to be tough getting into the team," Barton went on.
"But, as you know, I'm a big believer in my own ability – when fit.
"What I want to do is get fit, get a sustained run in the team and show the Newcastle fans why the club have invested a lot of money in me.
"I know it's said at times about how much they paid for me, and it's rumoured about how much I am paid a week, but I just want to play football – I love football.
"The Newcastle fans I have met in the street have been fantastic with me, and I just want to be a part of a team that can bring some smiles back to the Geordie nation.
"We've had a lot of downs, and we're getting some ups now under the current regime, and I just want to be part of it.
"If it means I play five minutes between now and the end of the season, that's what I'll do. I just want to help this football club."
Barton missed a penalty at Victoria Park, where Alan Thompson's second string were beaten 2-0, with Colin Larkin and Michael Mackay on target for Hartlepool.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
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