Hughton: Injured Barton can still play a part
Oct 3 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
CHRIS Hughton has backed troubled midfielder Joey Barton to resurrect his Newcastle career – despite confirming a fresh injury setback that will rule him out for the rest of the year.
United are waiting for the results of an exploratory operation on Barton’s knee but Hughton has confirmed he will be missing from first team duty until at least January. And the fear at St James’s Park is that Barton’s lay-off could be even longer.
As long as the rest of his midfield options remain fit and firing, Hughton will not dip into the transfer market to sign cover, but he admits that the loss of Barton is a big blow.
If it is a setback for United it is devastating for Barton, whose career has nosedived since his £5.8m move from Manchester City. Following his legal problems, he missed most of last season with a foot injury and clashed with Alan Shearer during the relegation run-in.
But instability at the club granted him a reprieve and Barton started the season back in the heart of midfield. That last chance has been curtailed by this latest setback, however, and Hughton accepts that it will be a long road back for his one-time England midfielder.
“It’s been a difficult time for him here. It’s so disappointing for him. What he will have to do, like he has done in the past, is battle back from this one,”said Hughton.
“We are all aware of what has gone on before, but Joey has been very good around the training pitch, very enthusiastic and very good with the younger lads.
“He has settled off the pitch, he spends a lot of time here. He is not one to be here for training and then disappear.
“We hope he will be OK. Injuries are testing times for any player, not just Joey, because of the frustrations they hold.
“He has gone through a lot in his career so far and we can only judge him for where he is now. At this moment he has been very good. It will be for a while. It will be months rather than weeks and it’s doubtful he will play this year. The findings will outline exactly what has happened.
“It’s one he has felt this season, it’s just come on.
“It’s a blow because he’s a quality player and he’s a player, when fully fit, you know he can have a big contribution to games here.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but it’s a bitter blow for him when you are out for a length of time.”
In the short-term, Hughton insists that the injury to Barton will not prompt him into the loan market.
“It would not affect transfers. Midfield is an area where we do have experience and cover. It’s not a matter of urgency that we bring someone in.
“What would change is if we get further injuries – we might then feel we would have to do it. Then we could change it.”
