Toon delighted to prevent dream debut for Barton

Alan Pardew claimed his Newcastle stopped the Joey Barton Show last night as his side climbed into the top four.

The former Toon midfielder was made QPR captain on his debut after his recent free transfer from St James' Park. But despite Neil Warnock's side dominating the game, Newcastle hung on for a goalless draw to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

QPR 0-0 Newcastle: Daily Mirror match report  

"I am pleased with the point - we didn't deserve any more," admitted Pardew. "It was a difficult evening for us.

"It wasn't the Joey Barton show, because we didn't want that. For us, it was about making sure he didn't grab the headlines tonight and we managed to do that.

"After the game, I wished him well and shook his hand. He will be a good player for QPR. He will play better than he did tonight, especially at home. I wish him well."

Barton, one of five debutants in the side playing in front of new owner Tony Fernandes, said: "We should probably have won the game - we were definitely the better side. If we keep playing like that, we will win enough games. It was a little bit weird playing against Newcastle but that is football. Ships in the night. Onwards and upwards and I am really enjoying being here."

Warnock said: "I told Joey to play the game, not the occasion. I think he did that. Making him captain was just a logical thing. He epitomised what we were about tonight. He brought the best out of the other players.

"You don't often dominate for 90 minutes in the Premier League but we were not far off tonight. We had all the ingredients except a goal.

"For me it was the first game of the season. I am looking forward to the rest."