Joey Barton may return for Newcastle against Doncaster Rovers

Joey Barton could make his first appearance for Newcastle United's first team since September at Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night but is expected to begin on the bench. The midfielder has been sidelined with a serious foot fracture and has seen his attacking central midfield role recently filled by the impressive Danny Guthrie. Barton, though, is likely to play some part at the Keepmoat Stadium after being included in Newcastle manager Chris Hughton's squad for the trip to south Yorkshire today. "Joey's been training very well," said Hughton, whose players aim to extend their lead at the top of the Championship but could be in for a tough night against Sean O'Driscoll's play-off hopefuls. "Danny Guthrie's recent form in central midfield has given us another option in the middle," added Hughton, well aware he will be without the injured Alan Smith in that department tomorrow. "But we've always said we'd like Joey back fit and involved again. Whether that involvement sees Joey get parts of games or whole games between now and the end of the season we don't know. But I'd rather have him available than not available." While Barton, who earns around £65,000 a week at St James' Park, could yet play a key part in Newcastle's promotion push, Hughton must once again cope without the injured Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi, Fitz Hall and Steven Taylor while Mike Williamson will have a fitness test. Should he step off the bench, Barton will try not to reprise his last appearance at Doncaster. That game came at the club's old Belle Vue ground and was for Manchester City in a friendly in July 2004. One of Barton's tackles prompted a mass brawl and he was yellow-carded and then substituted to keep the peace.