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[Timmy]

Barton Plays Full 90 In Rangers Run-Out

By Craig Hope

MAGPIES midfielder Joey Barton has came through his first full 90 minutes since breaking a bone in his foot during pre-season.

The 25-year-old was part of a Newcastle United XI which was beaten 3-1 by Glasgow Rangers in a behind-closed-doors practice match at St.James' Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Barton has played twice for United's second-string in the past eight days as he continues to build fitness and edge closer his Toon debut with the home game against Spurs on October 22 now a realistic target for the £5.8m summer signing.

The former Man City ace was in the thick of the action throughout the game, but it was Rory Loy (8) who opened the scoring for the visitors with a close range effort after connecting with Charlie Adam's left-wing centre.

And Adam was again the provider as the Ibrox outfit doubled their advantage 12 minutes after the break, the midfielder slipping in Thomas Buffel to finish past Fraser Forster.

Mark Doninger (66) pulled one back with a well-taken strike after Barton found the midfielder inside the penalty area.

But Alan Gow (82) wrapped the game up for Rangers with a cool side-footed finish after United failed to clear a left-wing cross.

Also in the visiting side was former Newcastle midfielder Amdy Faye and ex-Boro centre back Ugo Ehiogu.

Good to see tam and gow gettin in on the action again.