JOEY BARTON has set his sights on a January comeback after returning to United's Benton HQ this week.
The controversial midfielder saw his season grind to a halt after undergoing a foot operation earlier this month – but he has now had the cast removed.
Barton has exploratory surgery on the problem that had been nagging him since the season kicked off in August.
And although manager Chris Hughton originally felt that Barton could miss up to four months of the season, the Chronicle understands that the Scouser is aiming to make a return at some stage in January.
Barton was spotted at the club’s training ground ahead of his intensive rehab programme this week and looked in good spirits.
His return comes after Hughton granted him some time off last week, and the Merseysider was present at Newbury to watch his horse Electric Feel as it romped home in first place.
A United insider told the Chronicle: “Joey has been back this week and was all smiles after a short break.
“He’s back in rehab now and has also had the cast removed from his foot.
“Things are looking up for him on the injury front, and he is hoping that he can make a return in January some time.
“He really wants to play some part in Newcastle’s promotion challenge and that is the goal he has set.
“He hopes he can put the nightmare of the last few years behind him and start afresh in 2010.”
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