Barton poised for l'OM debut

Joey Barton: Could make first appearance for Marseille next Thursday

Joey Barton could make his debut for Marseille in the French side's Europa League clash with Fenerbache next Thursday.

Barton, who has moved to the Stade Velodrome on a one-year loan from Queens Park Rangers, is currently serving a domestic ban after being sent off on the final day of the last Premier League season.

He is eligible to play in European competitions, however, and Marseille assistant coach Franck Passi has confirmed he is in the frame to appear against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Although he is not yet up to match fitness, Passi has been encouraged by the way Barton has tried to integrate himself into the team.

"He's spent two months without training normally. Physically, he'll need a little more time but it's possible that he takes part in the Europa League match," Passi said.

He added: "He's a technically very sound player, he participates a lot and he's trying to integrate himself to the very full in our football culture."