Barton heads for addiction clinic after being released on bail over assault charge

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The one-time England midfielder, 25, is expected back on Tyneside where he will come face to face with manager Sam Allardyce and chairman Chris Mort to thrash out his future.

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Barton's fitness will be assessed while also under discussion will be whether his strict bail conditions prevent him from playing.

Barton, who earlier appeared in court via video link, left Liverpool's Walton Prison at 6pm last night wearing the black jumper he was arrested in and a grey top and jeans.

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Newcastle United's Joey Barton (L) is escorted out of HMP Liverpool by a prison officer after being released on bail

He left in a silver Audi A5 with solicitor Daniel Weed.

He was driven away by Peter Kay, the Sporting Chance clinic's chief executive and an expert in addictions and rehabilitation.

Kay, credited with helping other fallen footballers such as Tony Adams and Paul Merson, played a key role in Barton's release by offering bail accommodation.

Although no conditions of his bail were revealed yesterday, it is believed he will live under curfew at the Hampshire clinic.

Newcastle play two matches before Barton's next hearing on January 16 — an FA Cup tie at Stoke on Sunday and a league match at Manchester United.

Barton is facing charges of actual bodily harm and affray following a 5.30am incident outside McDonald's in Liverpool last week.

His application for bail was granted by Judge David Swift but Kay had earlier appealed unsuccessfully to magistrates, saying: "I've known Joey for two-and-a- half years and have worked with him as a mentor.

"We haven't had much time to work together since his move to Newcastle but I would like to have the opportunity to work with him again.

"It's not tea and sympathy and he'll be in at eight in the morning until 10:30 at night."

Pressed on what he would do if Barton stepped out of line, Kay said: "I'd drop him like a stone. He'd be reported to police immediately."