Mark Warburton has no fears over Joey Barton's track record ahead of potential Rangers switch

via Evening Times |

Evening Times10 years ago

MARK WARBURTON insists he has no fears about controversial midfielder Joey Barton’s colourful past as he looks to convince him to join Rangers.

The 33-year-old is considering a contract offer to become the latest player to commit himself to the Light Blues ahead of a shot at the Premiership title next term.

Barton was a hugely influential figure for Burnley as they won the English Championship this season but has had a number of high-profile incidents on and off the park throughout his career south of the border.

But Warburton is confident the former Manchester City, Newcastle United and QPR star will be success at Ibrox if he can clinch a deal to bring Barton to Ibrox.

He said: “He’s a very talented player in the Championship Team of the Year. I am sure he will have many suitors.

“Our job is to highlight what Rangers represent in terms of an opportunity. We can’t get near the salaries being paid down south, what we have to offer is an opportunity.

“The only baggage I’m looking at is that he is in the Championship Team of the Year and the team that just won that division. That’s the only baggage I’m looking at.

“He’s an outstanding player who’s had an outstanding season. He is experienced, combative and very intellectual about football. When you speak to him, he is a very knowledgeable guy.

“Everyone has history. Everyone. How many years do you go back?

“The fact is that in the most recent season he was outstanding. And quite rightly named in that team of the year.

“That was our focus. We have looked at his fitness, looked at his impact on games and how that might benefit us. And also how we might benefit him.

“He is a very talented player, isn’t he? Forget some of the baggage you refer to, he is a very talented player. No doubt about that. A top Premier League player.”

The arrival of Barton would be a significant coup for Warburton as he looks to bolster his Ibrox ranks for a crack at the top flight title next term.

It is a deal few would have expected the Gers to be able to pull off at this stage but Warburton is determined to set the bar as high as possible in the search for reinforcements this summer.

He said: “We haven’t got him yet. If we can get these players, it’s not a statement of intent. It is just us doing business.

“You have to go and get the best available players and maximise our selling points as best we can. If we can do that, we will be in a good place. We want players to come on board and be part of the project.”