Joey’s fears subside after a run of wins

JOEY Barton admits he “feared” for Newcastle United earlier this season - but stresses he has been impressed by the Magpies’ ability to win the games which will most determine their final position.

The ex-United midfielder publicly stated after United’s 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town in August - the Magpies’ second in a row at that stage - that he was concerned by the lack of depth he believed Rafa Benitez had at his disposal.

However, following three-straight wins which have lifted Newcastle into the Champions League positions, Barton praised United’s response to their difficult start.

And, with what he terms “a couple of winnable games” coming up against Brighton on Sunday and Liverpool the following weekend, Barton suggests Newcastle could extend their winning run further.

“I feared for Newcastle after the Huddersfield game,” Barton told TalkSport. “There were issues going on around Benitez - the transfer, no-transfer saga.

“I just feared after they got beat and the way they performed, that it was going to be a very difficult season for them. Credit to Rafa and the players though, great results.

“West Ham at home and at the weekend against Stoke [and at Swansea], they’re games that I think Newcastle’s seasons will be judged off. It won’t be judged off the likes of games against [Manchester] City and [Manchester] United, it will be against those teams around them.

“There are three big games coming up, playing against Brighton then Liverpool at home and Southampton away, so a couple of winnable games there.”