Newcastle United's Joey Barton thinking of England again but puts Geordie Nation first

Barton spoke out following calls on Tyneside for him to be called into Fabio Capello’s England set-up along with Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan and striker Andy Carroll.
Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson pressed the case for the trio to be called up for national service following the 5-1 demolition of Sunderland in which all three played starring roles
The game was watched by England head coach Capello’s most trusted advisor, Franco Baldini, and even though Barton insists he is putting club before country for now he would clearly relish a return to the international arena.
He gained his solitary England cap in a friendly against Spain four months before leaving Manchester City for Newcastle in the summer of 2007 and is now playing his best football since he was called up by then England manager Steve McClaren.
“The most important thing for me is being part of Newcastle United’s side,” Barton said.
“I am enjoying my football at the moment and playing in a good side that is winning football matches.
“It’s for other people to label me and put me where they think I should be. It isn’t something for me to say.
“If it comes, it will be great, an honour and a privilege. But if it doesn’t, I’ve got more pressing matters at this club.”
Barton is now starting to repay the club for the £5.7-million fee paid to City for his services following a stint on Tyneside that has been beset by well documented off-field problems and injuries.
“I missed a lot of time with injury and that is what drives me on every single day,” Barton said. “I put it all into every training session, game and performance.
“At the end of the game against Sunderland I stood in the middle of the pitch and looked around and took in the atmosphere.
“Those dark days in the gym and grafting and getting myself back fit meant it was important for me to acknowledge what had happened.
“It’s great to have known we’ve brought that kind of jubilation to the Geordie faithful.”
Barton, 28, continued: “When we walked out on Sunday it was just something else to see all that black and white. I don’t know what the opposition must have been thinking!
“Even just talking about it now makes you emotional. It was fantastic to see the fans back the team and back the manager the way they did. I think it paid dividends on the pitch.”
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