Joey Barton's agent insists the disgraced Newcastle midfielder has not been sacked after pleading guilty to a second charge of assault.However, the 25-year-old faces showdown talks with manager Kevin Keegan and managing director Derek Llambias over his future on his release from jail.

Barton, who is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for assault, admitted attacking his then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on Tuesday.

There had been speculation that Barton had lost his job after the latest in a catalogue of incidents which has blighted his career on and off the field.

But his agent Willie McKay revealed the midfielder has not given up hope of being able to return for the start of pre-season training on Monday as he awaits early release.

McKay said: "We can't really say too much until Joey is released, but we will be sitting down and talking about his future.

"He will be aiming to be back for pre-season training next week. But again, we will see what happens.

"Joey had a great end to the season and has kept himself in great shape.

"In fact, he is in the best shape I have ever seen him in and I think he will be fitter than anybody else."

The training ground incident with Dabo happened before Barton's arrival at Newcastle; indeed, it prompted City to allow him to leave, and the Magpies cashed in on a reduced valuation of him as a result.

However, the offences which led to jail time were committed after his move to Tyneside and have caused the club huge embarrassment.

That increased last night when CCTV footage of the attack, which took place outside a fast-food restaurant on Boxing Day, was released.

Barton's behaviour has put his club in a difficult position: from a moral point of view, his dismissal would send out a message over what will and will not be tolerated, although in business terms, he is an asset to the company, even if his value has plummeted as a result of his court appearances.

There have been suggestions that the club offered him a choice of leaving or staying on a vastly reduced wage - around half of the £60,000-a-week he earns - although it is understood that scenario was rejected.

Keegan, who knows the player from their time together at City, is keen to retain his services on the pitch, but acutely aware that his conduct needs to imrpove markedly.

However, owner Mike Ashley has been unimpressed at the way the club's name has been tarnished yet again, and Barton faces an uncomfortable spell on the carpet as he fights for his career.

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