Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joey Barton will keep his cool against Old Firm rivals Celtic, says Steve Black.
Joey Barton celebrates with Clint Hill
Steve Black has told The Scottish Sun that Rangers midfielder Joey Barton will not lose his cool against Celtic.
Barton has joined Glasgow giants Rangers on a free transfer after leaving Premier League-bound Burnley at the end of the 2015-16 season.
The former Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers midfielder is a high-profile signing, and he will be important for the Gers when they take on Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership next season.
Well-known football coach Black, who has worked with Barton, believes that the 33-year-old midfielder has matured enough to control his temper in the Old Firm derbies.
Black has also revealed the message he has given to the former Manchester City midfielder.
“When it comes to hotbeds of football, Glasgow’s one of the hottest in the world,” Black told The Scottish Sun. “I know it’ll stimulate Joe enormously.
“He will want to take Rangers to the highest level possible over the next few seasons. It will be no problem to Joe whatsoever, it will not cause him any problems at all.
“I think football fans in Scotland will be surprised by what they see from him, even in those Old Firm derbies, which I know are incredibly intense occasions.”
“There will be potential flashpoints but I tell Joey that if you care more about caring for others around you, than about not controlling your emotions, then you have got a real chance of keeping it under control,” added Black.
Barton may be 33 years of age, but he remains a very good footballer and had a very good season in 2015-16.
The former Newcastle midfielder scored three goals and created 29 chances in 38 Championship appearances for Burnley last season.
The new Rangers signing had a pass accuracy of 75% and a shot accuracy of 31%, and won 67 headers, 15 dribbles and 82 tackles.
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