Barton wants to be 'vital cog'

Midfielder thanks Magpies fans

Last updated: 29th October 2008

Barton wants to be 'vital cog'

Barton: Thankful to fans

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Joey Barton has thanked the Newcastle fans for their support and insisted there is much more to come from him.

The midfielder scored from the penalty spot as he made his first start of the season in Newcastle's 2-1 victory over West Brom on Tuesday evening.

The result lifted Newcastle, who had been beaten by local rivals Sunderland in their previous game, out of the bottom three.

"It was important that we bounced back," Barton told the club's official website.

"Everyone sat together as a squad and said that the Sunderland game had gone and that it was important to focus on the future and the game against West Brom."

Long way to go

The Newcastle fans chanted Barton's name following his goal and the 26-year-old admits it was pleasing to receive such backing.

But Barton, who has been dogged by off-field problems since his arrival at St James' Park, realises that he must now prove himself over a long period of time.

"It's great to get that backing," he said.

"In my time at Man City I was always well liked by the fans and I always responded to that.

"I had a difficult patch when I first came here and I'm the first to admit that.

"But this is the start, I've got a long way to go to prove myself at this club.

"It was a nice start for me tonight but I'd prefer to be a vital cog in a very good team and we have to build on this win."