Hughton will ask Joey to have a little patience

Mar 5 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

JOEY Barton is already straining at the leash to be involved in Newcastle United’s promotion push following his return to full training this week.

Barton has rejoined the main group after more than six months out with a broken foot, much to the delight of his manager Chris Hughton.

Barton was expected to be one of the key figures in the Newcastle side this season before suffering yet another unfortunate injury on Tyneside and Hughton has no doubts he will improve the squad when he is fully fit.

Nevertheless, having missed so much of the season, Hughton will not be rushed into playing him as he urged the combustible midfielder to be patient with his comeback.

Hughton said: “He needs games. Sometimes you can get carried away because you see him in training and think he looks sharp. He has missed so much of the season and watched so much football that he will be desperate to get back in.

“But when somebody has been out as long as he’s been out, there’s a protocol and you have to do it right. Throwing him in can sometimes backfire, although sometimes it’s about taking the risk.

“If we were in position where we had to take a risk, it would affect your thinking, but we are not in that position and we are allowed a little more time.

“The difficulty is reining him in. When he’s had a couple of reserve team games, that would be a problem with Joey.”

Given the strength of Newcastle’s midfield, Hughton could have been tempted to keep Barton in the background to ensure he avoids a selection headache before May and comes back firing on all cylinders next season. But that is not something that appeals to the Magpies boss as he continues to focus all of his thoughts and energy on making sure Newcastle get out of the Championship at the first attempt. Barton’s return to fitness will help Newcastle do that.