Big Sam backs Barton to deliver

NEWCASTLE boss Sam Allardyce is backing summer signing Joey Barton to thrive on Tyneside after finally tasting the atmosphere which took him to St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old midfielder, a £5.8million acquisition from Manchester City, had to wait until 71 minutes into Monday night’s Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham for his competitive debut for the club after fracturing a metatarsal in pre-season.

Barton arrived at Newcastle by his own admission carrying unwanted baggage, and recently found himself, perhaps unfairly, cast as the villain in a club v country row.