JOEY Barton has said he has unfinished business with Rangers – and can’t wait to rejoin Mark Warburton’s squad. The midfielder is serving a three-week club suspension following a blazing row with manager Warburton and team-mate Andy Halliday in the wake of the 5-1 defeat to Celtic.
It appeared that might spell the end of his time in Glasgow after just eight games for the Ibrox club. But Barton has told his 3.25 million Twitter followers he is determined to stay and make his mark.
Responding to questions from fans, the Englishman said over a series of posts: “People far too quick to write [the team] off. Celtic game was 1st competitive loss since 28th Dec 2015. 30+ games.
“[I’m] not going anywhere, happy to be judged after the season. Played 8 games. Had to use some for fitness as [we] had no pre season! Can’t wait to get back and show what [I] am about. Came to be successful. Nothing’s changed. Never ran from a challenge in my life. Not about to start now.”
Barton has been spending his time away from the Gers promoting his new autobiography. The book – titled No Nonsense – was published yesterday and the former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR battler appeared to be irked by some of the comments directed at him online.
The former England international – who is facing a gambling probe after allegedly breaking Scottish FA rules relating to betting on football – posted: “If you want to buy, buy it. If you don’t, don’t. But don’t come on here moaning at me today. I can’t be arsed with you. Have a day off.”
Meanwhile, Barton’s clubmate Danny Wilson hopes he has done enough in his last two outings to earn a starting slot for Sunday’s clash Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Aberdeen.
The defender returned to the team last week against Ross County after missing the Old Firm humbling with a calf strain. Alongside veteran Clint Hill, he has helped Rangers register back-to-back clean sheets, with the goalless draw against the Staggies followed by Tuesday night’s 5-0 romp against Queen of the South in the Betfred Cup.
Rob Kiernan and Philippe Senderos are back in contention for the match at Pittodrie, but Wilson said: “I think we are just trying to remain consistent, we have had two clean sheets in a row and we’ll be hoping if [he and Hill] are selected on Sunday we can get another one and keep building on it.
“But the fact we are all fit going into this weekend, and all vying for a place, can only be good for the team.”
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