Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan insists controversial midfielder Joey Barton still has a future with the club. Barton is set to leave prison next week after serving six months in prison for assault, and Keegan said he was given a second chance.
"People have opinions, and you must respect those, but mine is to give another chance and behind him," Keegan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.
"There are a lot of things you need to put right - but I think I can do it."
Barton, serving his current sentence for assaulting a teenager in Liverpool, was also recently convicted of assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, but another escaped from prison when a suspension handed four-month sentence. "Joey will be back with us later this month," said Keegan.
"It is well documented that has had its problems, but I knew when they took over. It's served his sentence, he has been punished for what he did wrong. The world is full of people who have been given a second chance and taken with both hands. I told him on condition that henceforth he did things right and began to rebuild the confidence of the people around him, I would stick by him. Joey Barton Those of us who have been in the last couple of months of the season was a - changed a lot of character. I'm hoping he will come back and we'll get it convenient. It all depends on Joey to put things at the moment - which has won over a lot of people. "
Meanwhile, Keegan also hopes that the club captain and England striker Michael Owen to sign a new contract with the club "in the next two or three weeks. I know that Michael wants to stay and I know that we want to keep him, that the two good reasons why it should happen, "he said.
Keegan, in his second spell as manager of Newcastle, said he wanted the club to improve on their mid-table finish last season. "Top eight [in the Premier League table] would be success for us," he said.
"Between the fourth and eighth would be a great step if we are honest. That would be fantastic."(bbc)
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