Barton relishing Toon role

Midfielder happy out on the right

Barton: New-found versatility

Joey Barton insists he does not mind where on the field he plays for Newcastle if it helps the team.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful campaign this season, contributing to the team's main aim of survival following promotion from the Championship.

A controversial figure at times, Barton has been influential in lifting Newcastle to their current ninth position in the league.

A central midfielder by trade, the former England international has been forced to play of out of position by manager Alan Pardew; a fact Barton refuses to complain about.

"That was my greatest worry when (former bossChris Hughton) Chrissy told me I was going to play there against West Ham - how long will I stay here?" he told the Chronicle.

"It is then almost a case of if you go there and play too well everyone will see you as a right-sided midfielder.

"I am just happy to be fit and playing and being able to showcase my talent at a big club like this. I would play left-back, right-back or in goal if I could.

"I am just happy to play in the side, and I feel, at the minute, it is the best formation for us to play as a team."

Position

Despite not hiding his love for the combative central midfield position, a markedly more mature Barton is happy to be utilised in other areas of the pitch, even if it means supporting a lone striker.

"There will be certain games when the gaffer might feel it would be better for me to play in the middle. At Spurs, he felt it was better for me to play off the front man," he added.

"As I say, I am just happy being fit and well, and I am enjoying my football for the first time in a long time. Long may it continue."