Many would argue the Newcastle United manager showed too much faith in the player who faces a court case in the summer that could see him jailed for five years, but Barton is repaying Keegan ... with interest!
Keegan has heaped praise on the ex-Man City player for his performance in the win at Tottenham.
Keegan "As the game went on he just got stronger and stronger.
"I said to him afterwards, that's the best I have seen you play. He had some very good games for me at Man City but I don't think I have ever seen him as outstanding as that.
"He was winning tackles, bursting forward and picking out passes.
"To his credit, he has got issues off the field, but he has come in and trained properly and worked hard and is reaping the rewards now."