And the midfielder - who struck from the spot in last night's 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at St James's Park - is now just hoping he has put his well-documented problems behind him, and that there are many more goals to come from him in black and white.

Barton - making his first start since his release from prison in the summer - was deservedly named man of the match for his goal and performance in the heart of Joe Kinnear's midfield.

The 26-year-old's name was chanted by United fans even before he kept his cool to beat visiting goalkeeper Scott Carson.

While Barton, now teetotal, knows he still has a long way to go before his past is forgiven by supporters elsewhere, he is at least earning the respect of Newcastle's faithful.

"That was for all our fans and all the people I have let down," said Barton. "And my only wish now is that it's the first of many.

"People have already been asking me if this was my best moment as a Newcastle player, and it's up there with them. Spurs away last season was a big, big moment, and so too was my debut, but really when you win it's always a great moment."

Obafemi Martins had been down to take any penalties, but when Shola Ameobi was felled in the ninth-minute, Barton - who struck from the spot away to Fulham last season - grabbed the ball.

Martins went on to score what ultimately turned out to be the winner in the 42nd minute, as visiting substitute Ishmael Miller pulled one back in the second half.

Barton added: "Once the referee pointed to the spot, I really fancied it, although I know a lot of the other players did as well.

"It was never an issue. I'm always one to step up to the plate, and I had no problem with this sort of thing.

"One thing that can never be levelled at me is that I lack courage, and even through my own stupidity I've had to come back from things, and this has shaped me for what I've got to do.

"It was important to get the team off on the right note. I felt that I could do that with the penalty, and that's the way it workedout.

"As far as the man of the match award is concerned, I don't think it should have gone to me. Damien Duff was outstanding, and that's the best I've seen him play for a number of years.

"If he can maintain that kind of form, there could be exciting times ahead for this football club. Then Shay Given made a save a 1-0, which was absolutely vital for us.

"Perhaps I got the award because I picked up a bit of the sentimental vote, but individual awards and club plaudits aren't really for me.

"It's more important that Newcastle United get the success it deserves and craves, and if we win 2-1 and I don't score or get man of the match award, I'd take that every time."

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Duff, Guthrie, Barton, Gutierrez (Geremi 70), Martins (Xisco 77), Ameobi (Carroll 90). Subs not used: Harper, Bassong, N'Zogbia, Edgar. Goals: Barton 10 pen, Martins 42.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Koren, Morrison, Brunt (Miller 54), Borja Valero, Greening, Bednar (Moore 67). Subs Not Used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, MacDonald, Pele. Booked: Donk, Robinson, Bednar, Moore. Goals: Miller 65.
Att: 45,801 Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).