Barton pleased to be back

Midfielder dedicates goal to physios

Last updated: 5th April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Barton pleased to be back

Barton: Delighted with goal

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Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has described his return to first-team action as a 'privilege' as he and his club-mates prepare for a Championship promotion party.

The former Manchester City player scored in Saturday's 3-2 win at Peterborough as he marked his first start since suffering a broken foot last September in style.

Newcastle now require only one point against Sheffield United at St James' Park on Monday night to earn an immediate return to the Premier League.

If Nottingham Forest fail to defeat Cardiff earlier on Monday, promotion could even be guaranteed before kick-off and Barton is delighted to be back in time and has dedicated his goal to Newcastle's physios.

Sharp

"They have spent a lot of time with me to get it right so that goal was for them," he said.

"They were probably sick of me come the end but they were great with me and I thank them for that.

"I'm delighted to be back and it was great to get a start. It has been a long, hard road for me toiling away in the gym.

"But moments like this are what it's about and are worth the hard work that goes into getting back.

"I still feel like I can get a lot sharper and show what I'm about. But it's just great to be back for now and is a privilege to come back into this squad."