Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce admits he has struggled to stick to his principles with Joey Barton as the midfielder pushes to be involved against Everton on Sunday.

Barton played 45 minutes for Newcastle's reserves this week after recovering from a broken foot and would like to play this weekend against the club he supported as a boy.

Allardyce has refused to grant the midfielder his wish but has found it harder than usual not to allow his emotions to influence a decision.

"I would love to play Joey against Everton," he said. "But I'll always make sure my head rules my heart on decisions like this. There is no chance Joey will be involved."