Barton easing back

Newcastle's summer signing from Man City, Joey Barton, is easing his way back to fitness after breaking his metatarsal in a pre-season friendly against Carlisle in July.

Barton said to the club website, "The rehab is going fine and everything is going according to plan.

"I'm doing some very light work in the gym at the moment but I hope to be back doing some light running next week and then build it up from there.

"It [the injury] was a setback because when you come to a new club you want to play as much as you can to show the people who have invested in you what you can do. "

The controversial Barton has yet to make a Premiership start since his arrival from Man City.