Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has revealed he wants to repay the faith of the club's supporters on his return to the first team.

Barton, 27, is set for a return following a six-month lay-off with a foot injury and is keen to show his appreciation to fans at St James' Park.

"The fans in and around the city have been fantastic with me," Barton told BBC Late Kick Off.

"The club has invested a lot of money in me, and I'm a lucky boy."

Barton added: "I've a lot of people to thank for a lot of things.

"The only way I can do it is by getting back on the pitch, playing football, being a good man and trying to help as many people as I can if they seek that."

The former Manchester City midfielder, who was talking to former Blues team-mate Danny Mills ahead of his return to the Magpies squad for the trip to Doncaster Rovers, is no stranger to controversy, following altercations with team-mates and time in prison for common assault and affray following an incident in Liverpool city centre in 2008.

However the Merseyside-born player has since sought counselling and treatment at the Sporting Chance clinic and remains a supporter of the charity.

If I get a sustained run of games then I believe in myself and what I came here to do Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton

Despite missing most of the season, Barton hopes to be part of a title-winning Magpies side in the Championship in May.

"I'm 27 years of age, a couple of years off being in my pomp, and I'm looking to use this season as a springboard," he said.

"It'll take a monumental effort from Nottingham Forest to catch us, that's my opinion as a football man, not that of the dressing room.

"I think it's ours to lose now and I think the lads sense that, and if I get a sustained run of games then I believe in myself and what I came here to do."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version