Newcastle hit by Barton setback

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been forced to delay his return from injury by another month.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Magpies in a £5.8m move from Manchester City in June, broke a bone in his foot during a pre-season game for his new club.

He has yet to make a competitive outing for his side but had hinted he may be available to face Everton on Sunday.

But Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce said: "It will be four or five weeks or at least three or four reserve games."

The prospect of Barton's return was raised because he travelled with the squad to their last three away games to give his team-mates moral support.

But the partial fracture of his fifth metatarsal he sustained against Carlisle in July has involved a lengthy process of healing and he will have to build up his match fitness before he can contemplate any first-team action.