Did Barton Refuse To Play For Toon?

Last updated : 04 March 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

Alan Pardew has rejected rumours that Joey Barton refused to play against Bolton over his contract impasse.

Barton was a late withdrawal from the Magpies side to face the Trotters last Saturday after picking up a thigh injury.

His absence from the side led to rumours that Barton had walked out after contract talks broke down but Pardew insists the combative midfielder remains committed to the cause.

Alan Pardew: "I saw a couple of whispers last week - not in the national media - that he didn't want to play.

"It's absolutely not true. He's desperate to play tomorrow [against Everton].

"Joey's commitment to play for us. Don't doubt that. He's going to come in early and try and play through that injury.

"I don't think the situation has changed in the last week.

"We'll have to sit down with Joey and start again because we thought we were there but it hasn't quite materialised. I'm not going to go into detail."