Newcastle reserve-team coach Lee Clark has hailed the attitude of Joey Barton after his performance in the 3-1 defeat of Wigan this week.

"Having a player and a person like Joey around the changing room makes it easy for me," the former Toon favourite told nufc.co.uk.

"He's a terrific example to the younger players and all I have to say to them is to look at Joey and you'll see what dedication and attitude you need to make it at the top.

"He's a very driven and ambitious young man and it's been a pleasure to work with him over the past couple of weeks.

"Hopefully now he's not too far away from a return to the first-team and he's a player I'm very much looking forward to seeing."