Newcastle United coach Terry McDermott is backing fellow Scouser Joey Barton to win over the Toon support.

McDermott told the Evening Chronicle: "I'm from Kirkby in Liverpool and Joey is from Huyton. They are just three or four miles apart and let's just say that you have to be tough to survive in either place.

"Now I am an adopted Geordie and Newcastle United is my team.

"And what I would say to Joey Barton is - show the same passion on the field for us as you have for Manchester City and our fans will love you.

"I have seen Joey play for Manchester City on numerous occasions, both when they have been playing us and when I have been sent down to watch them.

"And I have to say that in the past couple of years, Joey Barton has been Manchester City. If he has played well, then so have they.

"In a lot of ways he has been the focal point of the team in the same way Steven Gerrard is at Liverpool.

"In fact, if he had been on the open market and not had that £5.5m clause in his contract and had a few problems off the field then he would have been a £10m-plus signing for us."