JOE KINNEAR has lavished praise on Newcastle bad boy Joey Barton after the midfielder's bust-up with Gabriel Agbonlahor.
The midfielder hit the headlines again following his heated exchange with the Aston Villa forward in Monday's win.
But Toon boss Kinnear revealed he is delighted with Barton's performances and believes his partnership with Nicky Butt has been an inspiration in their recent revival.
Kinnear said: “Joey was outstanding in the game on Monday.
“Him and Nicky Butt are the heartbeat of our side.
“The pair of them have been superb and have given us a real platform to build on in the games since I’ve been here.
“Their performances are giving everyone confidence and you can see everyone else rising up and getting a lift because of their performances.”
Newcastle sit 14th in the Premier League, a point ahead of next opponents Fulham.
Kinnear is desperate for his side to make it three league wins on the spin and he added: “I thought we were excellent on Monday.
"We really deserved our win and the confidence and lift that will give everyone is immense.
“We go to Fulham now with our heads held high.
“We’re only a few points now off the top half of the table, which just goes to show how tight the league is, and there is a real confidence and belief in the players.”
The midfielder hit the headlines again following his heated exchange with the Aston Villa forward in Monday's win.
But Toon boss Kinnear revealed he is delighted with Barton's performances and believes his partnership with Nicky Butt has been an inspiration in their recent revival.
Kinnear said: “Joey was outstanding in the game on Monday.
“Him and Nicky Butt are the heartbeat of our side.
“The pair of them have been superb and have given us a real platform to build on in the games since I’ve been here.
“Their performances are giving everyone confidence and you can see everyone else rising up and getting a lift because of their performances.”
Newcastle sit 14th in the Premier League, a point ahead of next opponents Fulham.
Kinnear is desperate for his side to make it three league wins on the spin and he added: “I thought we were excellent on Monday.
"We really deserved our win and the confidence and lift that will give everyone is immense.
“We go to Fulham now with our heads held high.
“We’re only a few points now off the top half of the table, which just goes to show how tight the league is, and there is a real confidence and belief in the players.”
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