Barton dedicates goal to fans

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, 26, dedicated his comeback goal against West Brom to the Geordie faithful.

Barton is looking to pay back the faith shown in him, following his prison shame.

He said: “That was for all our fans and all the people I have let down. My only wish now is that it’s the first of many.

“People have already been asking me if that was my best moment as a Newcastle player — and it is up there with them.

“Winning 4-1 at Spurs last season was a big, big moment and to be fair so too was my debut for Newcastle.

“But, really, when you win it’s always a great moment.

“Once the referee pointed to the spot I really fancied it although I know a lot of the other players did as well.

“It was never an issue. I am always one to step up to the plate and I had no problem with this sort of thing.

“One thing that can never be levelled at me is that I have lacked courage.

“Even through my own stupidity I have had to come back from things — and this has shaped me for what I have got to do.”

[Source: The Sun]