By Anthony Marshall

Alan Pardew believes Joey Barton will set a "first class example" to Newcastle's youngsters as the midfielder prepares to head off with the Reserves on their tour of Holland next week.

After having their visa applications refused, Barton and striker Nile Ranger are unable to travel with the first team on their Stateside trip to America, for which the squad depart on Sunday.

So the duo will instead head for Amsterdam with Peter Beardsley's second string, where they will play three friendlies over the course of a week, and Pardew insists that Barton will be the perfect role model for his teammates over there.

"It's a bit frustrating but we were always wary that they might not get visas when we were organising the trip," said the manager.

"But Joey knows our game inside out, so I don't see any problem with him fitting in during the period we've got when we get back.

"Joey will go on the trip with the development squad to Holland, so will Nile Ranger, and I don't see a major disruption in that.

"As I've said all along since I've been here, Joey has been terrific and I don't see that changing. He's a very important player for us and I think the example he sets within that group will be first class.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him when I come back and getting him ingrained in the team."