Keegan Needs To 'Get Real' Over Thug Barton!

Last updated : 24 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Having pleaded guilty to a charge of violent conduct for his attack on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, the shit is about to hit the fan ... but KK is set to back him.

Keegan: "I will appear personally at the FA hearing if required, definitely.

"I did it at court, so why am I not going to do it at the FA? If you support someone, you support them.

"As long as he doesn't let me or this club down again, he has support from me. I know a lot of people don't agree, but it is for me to decide."

Newcastle have two fixtures before Barton's hearing, against Coventry in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and at Arsenal.

Amazingly, Keegan says he expects to play Barton before Sept 5 and is likely to put him on the bench at the Emirates Stadium.