Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has
reiterated his support for Joey Barton as the midfielder prepares
to leave prison.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old could be released from prison on
13th August after serving a six-month sentence for assault and
affray.
His release would come four days before the Magpies open their
Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford,
but that game would come too soon for the player.
Keegan, though, is willing to give Barton - who was also handed
a suspended four-month sentence earlier in July for an incident
involving former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo - another
chance.
Keegan told the BBC: "My view is to give
him another chance and back him. He has served his sentence, he's
been punished for what he did wrong.
"The world is littered with people who deserve a second chance,
got that chance and took it with both hands. I said I would stick
by him and I intend to do that."
Meanwhile, Keegan expects England striker Michael Owen to sign a
new deal at St James's Park.
"Hopefully, that will be sorted out within the next two or three
weeks," said when asked about Owen's contract.
Will he change? 