Allardyce let down by Barton

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce feels he has been let down by Joey Barton.

Toon midfielder Barton will see in 2008 in prison after being charged with common assault and affray following an incident in Liverpool over the Christmas period.

His spell in custody has ruled him out of Newcastle's festive programme.

And under-fire Magpies boss Allardyce - who splashed out £5.8million to take the midfielder to St James' Park - has admitted he is frustrated by Barton's behaviour.

He told the Daily Mirror: "Yes, I feel let down by him, of course I do. There's no question about that but I've got to deal with that quietly and privately when the opportunity arises."

Allardyce has spoken to Barton since he was remanded in custody but insists his future at Newcastle has not been discussed.

"I have spoken to him but I'm not going to tell you what was said. The Joey Barton situation is something we had to put behind us because we've got so many games in such a short period of time," said Allardyce.

"We'll deal with that later on and find out what the outcome is when I get the opportunity with the chairman.

"It's disappointing, very, very disappointing but I can't really comment any further than that."