Joey Barton has played his part in helping aggravate the turmoil surrounding Newcastle United this season. Spats with team-mates, a six game ban, criminal convictions and injuries have played their part in contributing to the chaos that seems to perpetually surround St James' Park these days.
Now though, Toon manager Joe Kinnear is hoping that the midfielder's return, who, despite his well-document 'issues', has bucket loads of talent, can help provide an additional boost to his squad after the signing of Peter Lovenkrands today, and the news that Obafemi Martins will soon be back in action.
"Having Joey back is a big bonus," Kinnear told the club's official website.
"I thought it was important to give him a run-out at Blackburn and then again in Tuesday's game with Carlisle. He has a great desire to win and is a box-to-box midfielder who will give his all.
"He could be a very important player for us between now and the end of the season."
Barton provides box-to-box enthusiasm and carries a goal-threat as well as possessing a crunching tackle. Already short on numbers in midfield, Barton's return will must come as a relief, of nothing else, to Kinnear, who saw midfielder Danny Guthrie limp out of training with a hamstring injury yesterday.
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