Manager Alan Pardew will be delighted with the news that Barton has publicly stated that he is very happy at the club. Earlier this week there was speculation about his future and indeed prolific goalscorer Andy Carroll and midfielder Kevin Nolan.
But this week the new manager insisted that these players would not be going anywhere as he bids to send the Toon back up the Premier League.
Barton himself faces his former team but has said there will be no sentiment when they meet on Boxing Day and he certainly will not be wanting his old team to grab the three points in this match.
Pardew got off to a great start as Newcastle manager winning 3-1 against Liverpool in his first game in charge. With the Birmingham City match postponed due to the severe weather conditions, his second game will certainly be no easier.
Newcastle will take this one.