Barton set for second chance at West Brom

JOEY BARTON could be handed a chance at instant redemption as Manchester City look to make it third time lucky against the Premiership’s basement boys at Eastlands today.

A week of misery for the midfielder which started with an ill-advised cigar-thrusting attack on team-mate Jamie Tandy, included the loss of a minimum four weeks’ wages and a severe reprimand from Blues chairman John Wardle, ended with Barton being dumped to the bench for Sunday’s defeat at boyhood idols Everton.

With Barton sidelined, it was left to Robbie Fowler to ignite the Goodison Park faithful.

But as he tries to plot victory over rock bottom West Brom today, manager Kevin Keegan is expected to offer Barton the opportunity to exhibit his undoubted talents and hope he can avoid getting himself into more trouble.

“I felt it was best for Joey to sit yesterday’s game out,” said Keegan.

“But he remains a key player for us, even if it did give me a chance to try something else out.”