Joey Barton has made a disappointing start at Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers, and was outplayed during a recent match against Celtic.
Glasgow Rangers’ controversial midfielder Joey Barton has told the Guardian that the reaction he had after losing the Old Firm derby 5-1 proves that he is a changed man.
Rangers were heavily beaten by Celtic earlier this month at Parkhead, and Barton’s performance in the fixture was poor.
The 34-year-old was short of his best in the contest, in what was a frustrating match for Rangers players and fans alike.
And Barton said: “After we got pasted 5-1 the old me would have lamped someone. But I went round and shook everyone’s hand. It was important to look [Celtic] in the eye and say: ‘Well played.’ We got pumped 5-1 in the biggest game in this country but there are going to be days when you have to say: ‘You know what? He was better than me today.’”
Barton’s start at Rangers has not gone according to plan, with things going from bad to worse for the experienced midfielder.
Barton has been suspended from Rangers training for the next three weeks by boss Mark Warburton, after an alleged training ground dispute (BBC Sport).
Barton is not the only player to be playing below his potential in Rangers squad, with the Ibrox side not yet in top gear.
Rangers are currently in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership table – four points behind league leaders Celtic, who also have a game in hand.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
