Keegan hails Barton re-emergence

Barton made his league debut for Man City under Keegan

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has spoken of his pride at the return to form of midfielder Joey Barton following Saturday's 3-0 win against Reading.

"Manchester City is a big club but this is a massive club. He came with a big fee and he had his own private problems," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Fair credit to him, he's handled everything as well as anybody could in those circumstances.

"He's played like he can in the last few games and I'm pleased for him."

Interview: Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan

Barton came through the academy at Manchester City, and made his debut for the Citizens under Keegan against Bolton in April 2003.

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Keegan was also impressed with the efforts of young defender David Edgar who stepped into the side at the last minute after Steven Taylor pulled out with a virus.

"I had no hesitation throwing him in. He's been superb around the reserve side. He's almost the leader of the reserve team," he said.

"There was the first 10 minutes where he tried to read things too much and got caught a couple of times but he soon settled down towards the end and I think he was really enjoying it."