Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton is delighted with Joey Barton's early season form.

The 28-year-old has worked hard both on and off the field to rebuild his career and has been one of the club's better players to date this season.

Hughton said: "All we can do is judge Joey on how he is at this moment.

"As with the whole of the team, it wasn't one of our better days on Saturday and it wasn't one of Joey's either.

"But apart from that, he has had three very good games. We have to judge him on how he is now and at this moment, he is playing good football, he is fit and he is an important member of the team."