Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear admits Joey Barton is in the frame for this weekend's derby against Sunderland.

The manager said: "I will have a one-to-one with him - that's if I get a word in with him because he's a typical Scouser, isn't he?

"Obviously I have spoken to him about the importance of staying on the pitch for the Sunderland game because he trains as he plays, believe it or not.

"He's got a big heart and is a good character - and on top of that, he can play."

Asked if the intensity of the derby might be an issue for Barton, Kinnear replied: "Well, that is a thought, yeah, that has already gone through my head.

"I am going to sit down with Joey and explain that to him, like you do with all players.

"I want players to play in a certain style and give everything they have got. He's a whole-hearted player and he's got a lot of ability as well.

"Maybe people think about him completely differently and forget about the ability he has got.

"Joey's one of the best finishers at the club, believe it or not."