Enrique and Barton to face Portsmouth

Apr 21 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Given his lack of football this season – the former Manchester City man has only made eight appearances because of his short spell in prison last summer and two serious injuries – Barton will only be considered for a place on the bench. Nevertheless, his availability will also be gratefully received by Shearer who knows his midfield lacks the presence of a box-to-box player.

Meanwhile, Sébastien Bassong has insisted he would be heartbroken if Newcastle are relegated, having enjoyed a wonderful first season in English football. Although the Frenchman has been a part of a struggling side following his free transfer move from Metz last summer, he has earned plenty of personal plaudits. They will mean little, though, if the team are relegated and he is forced to look for another club at the end of the season.

He said: “Newcastle means a lot to me, and I don’t want the club to go down in my first season. They gave me a great opportunity in the Premier League, so it’s very, very important for me to help Newcastle stay in the league.

“The situation is starting to get very hard for us, but we just have to be ready for the next game. I think we can still win this fight – we have to.”