Joey Barton is closing on a return to action for Newcastle United Football Club.

The former Manchester City midfielder has not played for the Championship leaders since September, when he picked up a foot injury in the win over Plymouth Argyle.

The 27-year-old has recently made a reserve team appearance and is due another one on Tuesday, but he can’t wait to get back in first team action and help return the club to the Premier League.

"I just want to focus on playing football now," Barton told the Evening Chronicle. "The team have done a great job this season. Now I just want to help this team back into the Premier League.

"The fans have been brilliant and as players we just want to help deliver Premier League football back to them. During my injury, the fans have wished me all the best.

"It's still a big club and that's one of the reasons I came here. The fans have been great with me and now I just want to do the business on the pitch again."

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!