Warren Barton is tipping new boy Carl Cort to become a Premiership sensation with Newcastle United.

Barton, named as United's new vice-captain, has studied the formerWimbledon player closely in pre-season matches.

And the defender insisted: "His ability will be something special this season. The fans will love him.

"Carl's doing ever so well. I said when he arrived that he's a good player in the air and has ability on the ground.

"Now he's come into a team with a lot of confidence, a lot of leaders and a lot of players who want to do well out there."

Barton also warned Premiership defences that Cort is equipped to form impressive partnerships with Alan Shearer or Duncan Ferguson.

"They are good players and will complement each other," said Barton, who spotlighted the extra competition for the strikers with Kevin Gallahcer and Daniel Cordone also in the picture.

"Everybody's fighting for places and it's good to have competition," he said.

Cort agreed: "There is always going to be stiff competition for places at a club like Newcastle. I know the manager is happy to have so many options."

Ferguson and Shearer have not started in any of United's pre-season friendlies, but may be involved in Saturday's match at Feyenoord.