Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton admits this weekend's clash against former club Manchester City will come too soon for him.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I'll be there at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday too, without a shadow of a doubt. It's just disappointing I won't be playing.

"I've still got a little way to go in terms of match fitness, and hopefully I'll get there sooner rather than later and I'll get back to what I do best, which is playing football.

"I've been very fortunate to have a good medical team around me - the doctor and physios have been first class in getting me to where I am.

"But I'm only young, and I'll get a lot chances to play at Manchester City in the future.

"I still keep in contact with the lads there - I've got a lot of friends there and they've had a great start to the season and it should be a good game.

"You always want to play against your old club, but at the same time this is just another Premier League game for me.

"I think I've proved what I can do to the fans there - I've got nothing to prove to them.

"Now it's a case of pulling on a Newcastle United shirt and enjoying a new chapter in my career.

"Hopefully this is the start of an exciting time for Newcastle United, and for me personally."