Barton is putting himself through double training sessions to rediscover his form.
Barton 'I Have Not Been Good Enough For Newcastle'!
The midfielder is "frustrated" that he has not hit the heights so far at St James' Park, after being out for three months with a broken metatarsal, picked up in a pre-season friendly at Carlisle.
He also has personal problems, as well as regaining his fitness, as he appeared in a Manchester court last week facing a five year jail sentence for an incident on the training ground when he was a Manchester City player.
He also has personal problems, as well as regaining his fitness, as he appeared in a Manchester court last week facing a five year jail sentence for an incident on the training ground when he was a Manchester City player.
Sam Allardyce: "In terms of performance, Joey has not been reaching his standards or our standards for that matter.
"He's been frustrated by that, which is understandable because he's such a driven and determined person."