Barton to play after trial

Midfielder Joey Barton will not be playing for Newcastle until his upcoming court trial is over according to his boss Kevin Keegan. The England midfielder is unhappy at the lack of opportunity.

After being released on bail Barton has returned to full training, but Keegan will resist the temptation to bring him back to the first team to strengthen his squad.

"Joey is fit and wants to play but has not had any matches," the Magpies manager told the club's official website.

"He is travelling a long way to train and I have explained to him why he won't be involved until the picture becomes a little bit clearer. He understands that and there's no problem.

"He has worked really hard in training and I do believe that we will make a plus out of a minus."