MARK WARBURTON insists Joey Barton can be the best player in the Premiership this season – and believes his outspoken opinions are healthy for the game.
The maverick midfielder has already wound up Celtic players and fans with his comments about Scott Brown and Brendan Rodgers. He was also consistently outspoken about England’s flop at Euro 2016.
The Rangers manager, however, is more concerned about what the 31-year-old will offer on the field. He believes it will be top quality.
Warburton, who will begin working with Barton tomorrow, said: “He’ll want to be the best player in Scotland, but I know another of our signings, Niko Krancjar, will want to be the best player in Scotland, too.
“That’s the way it has got to be. If they are winners, guys at other clubs will be saying exactly the same.
“Does Joey have the potential to be that? Absolutely, we all know that – but so has Niko and others.
“It’s up to the players to be the best. They’re working really hard, and if they get a good start to the season and their confidence just keeps soaring, they’ll be in a good place.”
A day scarcely goes by without Barton having his say on something. But Warburton won’t silence him, and he is sure he will not be intimidated by Scottish football.
The Ibrox boss said: “Joey’s just giving his opinion. He’s not saying he’s right or wrong, he’s just giving an opinion. The world would be a healthier place if there were more people like that, possibly.
“Joey is no different to anyone else, and he’ll be the first to say that. He wants an environment that will allow him to flourish and be a winner. They are all competitive animals.
“Questions were raised before the Old Firm game in April: ‘How would Andy Halliday cope with playing against Celtic in the semi-final?’
“He was tremendous. He is an out-and-out Rangers supporter, who dealt with it, no problem at all.
“At their age, with their experience and ability, Joey and the new guys will absolutely relish these games.”
Barton and Lee Hodson will join the Rangers squad this week following their 10-day trip to Charleston, South Carolina, where Warburton was staggered by the length some supporters went to watch his team beat the Battery 2-1 last Wednesday night.
He said: “It is incredible and you can’t take it for granted.
“Some drove from Toronto for a game of football, and drove straight back after the game. Others were 15 hours overnight from Chicago. It is unbelievable.
“It is a great level of passion and support, and we have got to respect that.”
The first test for Warburton’s new team will be at Fir Park next Saturday and he knows exactly what is required.
He added: “Second is last according to the fans, so we are very conscious of the level of challenge. We know about Celtic, about Hearts, Aberdeen, all the teams in the division
“What we have to do is go and be the best we can. Hopefully that is good enough to do what we want to achieve.”
READ MORE
If Souness couldn’t handle the Old Firm, how will Joey Barton?
Josh Windass impresses Rangers boss Mark Warburton in US friendly
Don’t compare me to my dad, warns Rangers recruit Josh Windass
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe