Joey Barton Moves House

Kevin Keegan will fight to keep jailed Joey Barton.

But the shamed Newcastle midfielder's future could be in doubt, with the club refusing to offer him any guarantees.

Keegan offered him his support as the player began a six-month jail sentence last night, after being convicted of assault and affray.

The Toon boss has stood by Barton throughout the legal proceedings and was even a character witness at his trial.

Keegan has known him since he was a teenager at Manchester City and went on record to say Barton could be "proud" of the way he handled the pressure of the court case.

He sees him as key to what he is building on Tyneside and started Barton in 12 of the club's last 14 games, only omitting him from trips to Everton and Liverpool because of his bail conditions.

Barton and his legal team are hopeful he may be released after serving three months, which would mean he could be back in action by September.

But it remains to be seen if the Newcastle board share Keegan's optimism about Barton, 25, and their statement yesterday merely stated they were "considering the verdict".

Barton has legal matters outstanding - including his alleged assault on his former City teammate Ousmane Dabo a year ago, which could land him another jail term.

Barton has four years left on the �40,000-a-week contract signed when he joined for �5.8million from City last summer and the Newcastle board may be tempted to cut their losses.

Keegan (left) will fight hard to persuade them to keep faith with Barton but his word is not final and the board may feel the player is causing too much damage to the club's reputation.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor also defended Barton. He said: "Clearly the lad is a player with ability and there will always be clubs looking to take the chance (with players like that). I hope that is the case.

"When somebody has paid the penalty, which Joey will have to do, every individual should be given the chance to reform themselves.

"It's a crying shame for a player who is clearly very gifted. When you speak to the lad in the cool, calm light of day, he can be very articulate, very sensible and intelligent.