JOEY BARTON’S return to competitive action last night was marred when he missed a second-half penalty against Hartlepool United reserves, but the midfielder insists that he is a better player now than when he first joined the club.

Trailing 2-0 to first half strikes from Michael Mackay and Colin Larkin, Newcastle were handed an opportunity to get back in the game when Grant Herbert hauled down Phil Airey in the penalty box.

Barton, eager to mark his comeback with a goal, chipped his spot kick over the bar, earning a barrage of catcalls from the Pools faithful who up until that point had given the midfielder a relatively warm reception.

“It will be tough getting back into the team but I am looking forward to it,” said the £5.8m man. “Barring the penalty I felt quite sharp. I will be back on the training ground practising them in case I get one in the Championship or Premier League.

But I am a big believer in my ability – when fit.

“At one stage I was in the top echelon of midfielders in this country. There’s certainly none of my ability lost, I actually feel a better player now.

“I want to get a sustained run in the team and show the Newcastle fans why the club invested a lot of money in me. The Newcastle fans I have met in the street have been fantastic with me and I just want to be part of a team that can bring some smiles back to the Geordie nation.”

The 27-year-old played 75 minutes before being replaced.

Prior to his howler, Barton had played a subdued left midfield role.

In front of Chris Hughton, the Liverpool-born midfielder captained a youthful Magpies second string who struggled to match Colin West’s more experienced side.

Barton added: “I think it’s up to me to prove my fitness first. All I know is that I think I’m available for the Bristol City game this weekend.

It’s down to the gaffer.

“Since I’ve been at Newcastle I’ve had three broken feet and a torn medial ligament plus a well documented spell in the clink and numerous other problems. But I am someone who will bounce back.”

Pools dominated the first half with Jonny Rowell and Ritchie Humphreys both spurning great chances to secure a handsome lead.

Michael Mackay broke the deadlock after pouncing on hesitation in the back four to fire home from ten yards.

They doubled their lead just before half-time when Humphreys’ corner was flicked on by Mackay for Colin Larkin to nod home to secure a deserved 2-0 victory.

Hartlepool: Herbert, McSweeney, Fredriksen, Marron, Larkin, Haslam, Rowell, Power, Humphreys, Mackay, Greulich
Newcastle: Soderberg; Leadbitter, Lough, McLaughlin (Godsmark 56), Morris, Edmundsson (Danquah46), Tozer, Barton (McDermott 75), Donaldson, Ferguson; Airey.