Chris Bailey

KEVIN Keegan had one major positive to lift the gloom after Saturday's defeat to Bolton - the assured debut of 20-year-old Joey Barton.

The midfielder came in for Marc Vivien Foe and gave a composed display in the heart of midfield that suggested he could have a future at the top level.

"He has done us proud," said Keegan. "We didn't expect him to be a match winner, we expected him to stand up in the middle and be counted and he did exactly that.

"Stephen Jordan came on and got his first taste of first team Premiership football so in that respect there were two small plusses."

'I could do better'

Barton was also delighted with his debut, though naturally disappointed with the result.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and I don't think I did too badly, but I am sure I could do better if the team was playing well as a whole," he declared.

"The manager wanted me to do a pure and simple holding job and that is what I tried to do, but there is more to my game. I was happy to go out there and do whatever Kevin Keegan wanted me to, and do it to the best of my ability. I just love playing football.

"I wasn't overawed in any way. You know if you are going to play in the Premiership then you are going to play against, and with, world-class players. If you want to be the best you can be then you have just got to get on with it.

"I don't feel I was out of my depth and I will grow with the experience.

"I am as upset as anyone because the team lost and that is what matters most. We feel we let people, not least the supporters, down."

How impressed were you with Barton's debut? Have your say.