Joey Barton is desperate to return to Newcastle's first team after watching them win at Bolton on Saturday.

Barton, currently recovering from a metatarsal injury, told the Evening Chronicle: "I was in a bit of discomfort at the game because of my injury but I wanted to come to support the lads and show that we are all in this together as a squad.

"I just wanted to be about the place with the rest of the lads because sometimes you do not feel part of it when you are injured.

"And it was great and I have to say that we were a different class against Bolton and in a lot of aspects of our play we were brilliant.

"I know it's not going to happen but I would love to be out there playing with them next week.

"To tell the truth, I was gutted not to be playing at Bolton.

"I know Newcastle haven't done very well here recently but I've won there a lot and scored a goal or two, and it's one of my favourite grounds.

"When we were driving to the ground I was telling my mate what I would have been doing - like having a cup of tea and reading the programme, then having a rub-down and getting my kit on.

"He had to say 'hold on, you are not playing'.

"Actually, I am all right when I am playing but I am a bad and nervous watcher.

"But having said that I was jumping up and down every time we scored."