Barton on brink of return from injury

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton put himself in line for a place in the Blues’ squad for Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth with a 45-minute reserve team run-out against Leeds last night.

The England Under-21 international has missed City’s last six games following ankle surgery but manager Kevin Keegan was on hand to watch him in action and, with his squad stretched to breaking point, seems certain to include Barton for the Fratton Park trip.

Keegan also looks likely to draft 18-year-old forward Bradley Wright-Phillips into his party.

Wright-Phillips, younger brother of England international Shaun, defied the wintry conditions to grab a hat-trick in City’s 4-1 win over Leeds that took them top of the FA Premier Reserve League North.

Christian Negouai netted the Blues’ other goal with Julian Joachim slotting home the visitors’ consolation.