The last time Joey Barton saw Premier League action he limped away, frustrated and forlorn. He threw a boot at the wall in anger as he contemplated yet another spell on the sidelines following a metatarsal injury in the 2-1 defeat by his former club Manchester City in January.
It was only Barton's eighth game for Newcastle in an injury-riddled campaign in which he has tried to regain his focus following the personal problems which culminated in a prison sentence last year. It is somewhat obvious to say the midfielder has not won admirers for some of his antics on and off the pitch. He crosses the line too often and too easily. But ask any of the managers who have worked with him and they will tell you that Barton will give his all for the team, displaying the spirit and steel you need in a battle. It is what relegation-threatened Newcastle need right now.
Barton was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Portsmouth last Monday, but is expe-cted to figure when Alan Shearer's side go to Liverpool today. A hometown return for a boyhood Everton fan against their city rivals; just what you need to add spice to an encounter between teams at the top and bottom. Shearer will be hoping Barton can keep his temperament - and the returning Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard - in check.
Barton and Gerrard were born and brought up in the tough Huyton area. Friends they may be, but any confrontation on the pitch is bound to be no-holds barred. Shearer has called on Barton to follow the example of Alan Smith, another firebrand who has added some bite to the Newcastle side since his return from eight months out injured. The striker-turned-midfielder impressed against Pompey and today would also be a good time for Smith to end a four-year drought since his last league goal - for Manchester United at Charlton. "His attitude was fantastic against Portsmouth," said Shearer.
It will be tough against a Liverpool side who have scored 13 times in their last three home league games as they pursue the title. The goalkeeper Pepe Reina believed three draws in January could be defining moments at the end. "Manchester United can still make mistakes, so we have to be ready," he said. "But if we don't win the league we would have to say that January cost us the title." Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia thinks four points from his side's final four games will ensure Premier League survival.
The Black Cats host Everton at home today and Sbragia said: "You could drive yourself crazy trying to work out the permutations. But, the players have to forget about that side of things and just go out there and perform." akhan@thenational.ae