 TOON midfielder Joey Barton has applauded the Geordie public for supporting him ahead of his first-team comeback. The former Man City player is hoping to return to action in a black and white shirt if he can get through the reserve match at Hartlepool this evening. Barton said: "The fans have been brilliant and as players we just want to help deliver Premier League football back to them. "During my injury, the fans have wished me all the best. "It’s still a big club and that’s one of the reasons I came here. "The fans have been great with me and now I just want to do the business on the pitch again." Barton will face competition in United’s midfield engine room when he returns to fitness, with Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith key figures for the Magpies this season and Danny Guthrie beginning to mature into the centre midfield spot he wants to make his own, not to mention former England midfielder Nicky Butt, who is keen to play his part in the run-in. Barton’s representative Willie McKay believes the midfielder is desperate to play for Newcastle again in – and get back to the top flight. He said: "Joey’s been really patient with his injury. "He didn’t want to rush back because he’s done that before and been worse off for it. "And with the team doing so well there has been no need for him to take any risks. "He’s desperate to be part of this team and to do well for the club. "He loves it in Newcastle, loves the area and loves the people. "He just wants to do his best for Newcastle and it will be a big boost for him when he runs out again at St James’ Park. "He would like nothing better than to help Newcastle back in the Premier League." | 
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