Newcastle confirm Barton to miss start of new season

The 24-year-old was today undergoing surgery to repair the metatarsal fracture he suffered in Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw at Carlisle which will sideline him for around six weeks.

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Barton's misfortune could hardly have come at a worse time, given it occurred in a game in which he was handed the captain's armband as manager Sam Allardyce looks for Scott Parker's successor.

However, he is determined to return as quickly as possible to make his mark in a black and white shirt once again.

Barton said: "I am absolutely gutted and devastated and it is all extremely frustrating, but unfortunately this is all part and parcel of modern day football.

"It would be foolish to set a date on any comeback and all I can say is that I want to get back as quickly as possible and when I do get back, make sure that I am 100% fit.

"Obviously it's a blow to me and to the manager, but I am more disappointed for our supporters than anything else.

"The fans have been fantastic to me since I came here from Manchester City.

"I was desperate to be part of the team on the opening day at Bolton Wanderers which, of course, I won't be now."

The injury came just two games into the £5.8million signing's Newcastle career, continuing a miserable run of fitness problems for the club.

However, they will keep their fingers crossed that it does not prove as problematic as the metatarsal fracture which left Michael Owen on the sidelines for five months of his first season on Tyneside.

Saturday's setback left Allardyce with a midfield headache amid speculation over West Ham's interest in Kieron Dyer.

Barton and Nicky Butt have formed the central partnership in both games to date during pre-season, with Parker having departed for Upton Park.

Ironically, the vacant berth is the one Dyer craves having played most of his football for the Magpies wide on the right.

Allardyce has made it clear he only wants players at the club who are happy to be there and is seeking talks with the 28-year-old England international to gauge his feelings.

However, Barton's absence for the opening weeks of the season will leave him short, with Damien Duff also sidelined by injury, and should the Hammers make their move, that could prove a significant stumbling block.

Nolberto Solano replaced the former Manchester City man both as captain and in the middle of the field at the weekend, and would be happy to fill either role again in the future.

He said: "I am enjoying that position, and the more you play in that position, the more of the ball you can see.

"The manager decides who plays where, though, and I will continue working hard.

Solano, who scored his side's last-gasp equaliser at Brunton park, added: "The captaincy is the manager's decision and never mine, but it would be a honour to get the armband.

"Any player would be proud to lead out Newcastle."

The manager's current focus is the club's defence, where he has so far recruited only Czech international centre-back David Rozehnal and Chelsea utility man Geremi.

Allardyce admitted on Friday that he is targeting three or four more signings before the start of the Barclays Premier League season, and it would be no surprise if two or three of them were aimed at strengthening the club's defence.

The Magpies have been unable to make progress on a series of deals in the last fortnight, much to the manager's frustration, and he has hinted that, while proven Premier League experience is high on his list, he may have to look further afield.