Barton comeback delayed

Monday, October 01, 2007 3:34pm

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Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton's comeback from injury has been put back by up to a month, despite rumours of an imminent return.

The 25-year-old England international is still yet to make his competitive debut for the Magpies after switching from Manchester City in the summer for £5.8 million.

He suffered a broken foot during his new club's pre-season campaign and was expected to be out for around two months, meaning a return in this weekend's match against Everton was not out of the question.

Barton's presence in the Newcastle squad for recent away games, including last week's trip to his former club, was cited by some media commentators as a clue that he would return soon.

But boss Sam Allardyce has rubbished rumours of a pending comeback, saying he wanted Barton to play a number of reserve matches before he would consider him for selection – effectively extending his period on the sidelines by another four weeks.

"It's important that we don't get this hysteria in the media that he will be back next week because he will not," the St James' Park manager told the club's TV channel.

"He needs four games under his belt before I would consider throwing him back in unless there is an injury crisis.

"But I'm not prepared to rush Joey back although I am looking forward to getting him back when he is ready."