DCSIMG

Barton edges closer to comeback


Published on Tuesday 9 March 2010 10:45

JOEY Barton is edging closer to his Newcastle United comeback.

And Chris Hughton – who arranged a behind-closed-doors game against Hibernian yesterday to given the midfielder a run-out – has allayed fears he won't feature again this season.

Barton played 45 minutes of a 4-1 win over an XI sent down by the Scottish Premier League side.

Leon Best, Ryan Taylor, Tim Krul and Fitz Hall were also handed valuable match practice in the game at the club's Benton HQ.

However, it was the involvement of Barton – out since September with a foot injury – that was most significant.

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One report on Sunday suggested Barton – whose United career has been beset by injury – could be held back from first-team action this season, but Hughton is keen to have him available for the club's Championship run-in.

"We're pleased Joey got through 45 minutes," said Hughton. "And we'll now look to see what other games he'll be available for.

"He's been out for a long time. We're delighted that he's back and playing football.

"He now needs to continue his training, and we'll continue to assess his fitness.

"We want to have as many players available as possible for the final period of the season.

"The game was helpful because it allowed us to give Leon Best, Fitz Hall, Tim Krul, Ryan Taylor and Nile Ranger some time on the pitch, and we thank Hibernian for sending a team down."

Best, Ranger and Joan Edmundsson were on target for Newcastle, with the other strike an own goal, while Colin Nish scored for Hibs.


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