Aston Villa midfielder James Milner says Joey Barton can lift the gloom at Newcastle United.

The Villa star said: "A lot of things have gone on with Joey off the field. But he's shown his ability in past seasons and what a good player he is.

"Hopefully now he can get some back page headlines for himself and stay off the front. You hear loads of different things, people say things and you read things in the paper.

"But you can only ever take someone how they are with you, how you find them.

"Joey was fantastic with me. I always got on with him and I wish him all the best.

"Hopefully he can put in some good performances for them and help them move away from where they are in the table."