Keegan Was Not Joking - Barton Is Back!

Last updated : 30 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

The sale of James Milner has nothing to do with it, KK said Barton would play before his trial appearance next Friday ... and that seems to be the case.

Barton was drafted into the Newcastle squad for the first time since his release from prison last month for today's televised game against Arsenal and will be among Keegan's seven substitutes at the Emirates.

Keegan: "Joey is in the squad ahead of schedule slightly. He'll be on the bench but common sense will prevail.

"It's maybe a week or 10 days quicker than it should be, but he might come on for 10-15 minutes. I'm not talking about starting him.''

Barton will face an English FA disciplinary hearing next Friday on a charge of violent conduct towards former Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo in May 2007.

Keegan: "Some people think he might get 15 games, which sounds ridiculous, but it wouldn't be unbelievable for him to get very few, because he's already missed a lot of games because of the punishment he's had."