Barton given another chance by Newcastle

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Controversial midfielder Joey Barton is to get the chance to rebuild his career at St James' Park following his release from prison, Newcastle United have confirmed. Magpies manager Kevin Keegan has consistently outlined his intentions to support the player upon his return to the club - a stance which United on Tuesday chose to formalise with a statement on their official website. Barton was on Monday released from prison in Manchester after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence. A brief message on www.nufc.co.uk said: 'Newcastle United officials can confirm they have met with Joey Barton today, following which it has been agreed by everyone involved that Joey will remain with the club. 'The club will not be making any further comment at this time.' The 25-year-old one-cap England international was jailed for assault and affray after an incident in Liverpool city centre in December. He was also given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo during a training session last year.