By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton believes that Joey Barton will gain confidence from an impressive 45-minute run out during Monday's behind-closed-doors victory against Hibernian.

The Scouse schemer was enjoying his first taste of competitive action since undergoing foot surgery in early October and was in the thick of the action throughout an energetic first-half display.

Indeed, it was from Barton's clever flick that Faroe Islands midfielder Joan Edmundsson raced clear before smashing home the opening goal on 27 minutes.

And boss Hughton told nufcTV that the 27-year-old will feel good following his first outing in more than five months.

"Forty-five minutes was enough at this stage and the important thing was that he came through with no ill effects," said Chris after the 4-1 win which also included goals from Leon Best and Nile Ranger.

"It was a comfortable game for him but it was also competitive.

"There's never any doubt with Joey the ability he has, and we expected him to be fully involved in the game.

"He was involved in a lot of the action and that will be good for his confidence.

"He'll feel good just being back out there with a pair of football boots on and it was a good workout for him."