Is Barton 'Man Enough' For Derby Fixture?

Last updated : 22 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Barton, a £5.8million Sam Allardyce signing during the summer of last year, has struggled to make an impression at St James' Park with injuries and his off-the-field problems severely limiting him.

The 26-year-old midfielder found out against Arsenal that players are queuing up to get him sent off, and the Mackems will be ready for him.

Has he the brain cells to turn a blind eye ... or will he take the bait?

Kinnear has to decide on a player who doesn't know that much about, apart from his shocking reputation.

Kinnear: "I will have a one-to-one with him - that's if I get a word in with him because he's a typical Scouser, isn't he?

"Obviously I have spoken to him about the importance of staying on the pitch for the Sunderland game because he trains as he plays, believe it or not.

"He's got a big heart and is a good character - and on top of that, he can play.

"I am going to sit down with Joey and explain that to him, like you do with all players.

"I want players to play in a certain style and give everything they have got. He's a whole-hearted player and he's got a lot of ability as well.

"Maybe people think about him completely differently and forget about the ability he has got.

"Joey's one of the best finishers at the club, believe it or not.

"It's not a case of him [Barton] badgering me to start him at Sunderland.

"I will assess everyone we have got available and it will be a case of making the right decision, putting the right players in the right positions against the teams that we play against."