Hughton - Barton doing well

Magpies midfielder returns to action

Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hughton - Barton doing well

Barton: Back in action

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Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has revealed midfielder Joey Barton is making good progress after returning to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The 27-year-old has spent six months on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot earlier in the season.

The midfielder played the full first half of the Magpies' 4-1 victory over Hibernian on Monday night and Hughton admits the club are being very careful with the former Manchester City man.

"It was his first game and he played for 45 minutes and we've got to be mindful of that," Hughton told Sky Sports News.

"We've got to protect him that way and we've got to make sure that when he is available then physically he's able to cope with the demands.

"But his progress has been good in the last few weeks and he's very much enjoying being back in the fold."