Rangers are out of Europe, but there can be a positive says controversial ex-star, as they can focus on catching Celtic.
Former Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has been weighing in on the club’s embarrassing defeat to Luxembourg side Progres Niederkorn.
Rangers were eliminated from the Europa League at the first possible opportunity, losing 2-1 on aggregate.
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
The result has put instant pressure on new manager Pedro Caixinha, but Joey Barton believes Rangers can simply re-focus, and concentrate on catching dominant rivals Celtic.
Barton was quoted by The National, stating: “It is a terrible result. It is arguably the worst result in British footballing history in Europe.
“But it shouldn’t change the direction of the football club.
“If Rangers are going to get closer to Celtic and Aberdeen this year, then they don’t really need to be in the Europa League on a Thursday night.”
Former Rangers midfielder Joey Barton
Celtic beat Rangers five times last season and drew once in a ruthless campaign which saw them go through the domestic season unbeaten.
Rangers finished 39 points behind, and clearly have their own problems regardless of what Celtic are doing.
Celtic know though that for this season to be a success, a league title alone won’t do. They need to make a bigger impression in the Champions League.
Meanwhile Rangers can rest up while Celtic are busy in midweek action. It didn’t help them last year of course, but the Europa League would have been an additional hurdle to their domestic efforts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
