Barton must avoid pitfalls if he is to return to his best

Home games won't be so bad, but in away games the natives will be waiting for him, referees will be looking out for him and opposing players will be trying to wind him up.

That's something he needs to stay aware of and he can't lose his cool.

Monday against Villa was an example of that.

One little incident that would have gone unnoticed was under the microscope because it was Joey Barton.

James Milner went in with a strong, strong challenge on Steven Taylor that could well have resulted in a red card.

But the difference is that Milner has a squeaky clean reputation - and that's what Joey needs to be now, squeaky clean.

I hope it doesn't take anything away from his game because he is a committed player, but if he can avoid the little niggly things, he should be fine.

These days you have TV replays from every angle - there is no hiding place.

And you have former referees who are also analysing the game.

Some of it is out of order.

When you look back at the TV replay of Barton's booking from Steve Bennett, it wasn't even a foul.
He played very well, yet it could have all gone wrong.

United now travel to take on Fulham on Sunday, looking to make it three wins in a row.

The team is now playing with the right attitude.

Joe Kinnear has had a big influence on the team and they are responding.

And Fulham is another game that Newcastle can get something out of.