Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton makes come back

Controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton could make a surprise return for the Magpies in a pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday.

Barton's Newcastle career looked to be over after his sending off at Liverpool in May led to a dressing-room bust-up with caretaker manager Alan Shearer.

The 26-year-old was suspended but with Shearer's future at the club unclear, Barton has returned to training.

The former Manchester City player has been linked with a move to Birmingham.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is still trying to sell the club leaving the future of some players uncertain. Barton, who has played once for England, was a controversial figure at City before joining Newcastle for £5.8m in 2007.

He has started only 26 matches for the Tyneside club, with another six appearances off the bench.

In July last year, Barton received a four-month suspended sentence for assaulting Ousmane Dabo in a training-ground incident while both players were at City.

Barton was banned by the FA for 12 matches - six of which were suspended - and fined £25,000 after admitting a violent conduct charge in relation to the Dabo incident. He also spent two months in prison after admitting assault and affray.
Source - BBC.co.uk