Johnstone gives verdict on both Barton and Rangers’ start to the season

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Rangers currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership table.

Rangers’ Clint Hill and Joey Barton look dejected after Burnley’s second goal

Former player Derek Johnstone feels Joey Barton’s start to life north of the border mirrors that of Rangers as both have performed well without hitting the heights, the Evening Times report.

Former Manchester City man Barton arrived at Rangers in the summer after opting to leave Premier League side Burnley, and he immediately laid down a marker by citing himself as the best player in Scotland.

The controversial midfielder, however, hasn’t quite lived up to the billing just yet and the same can be said of Rangers who many predicted will challenge for the Scottish Premiership title this term.

Rangers’ Joey Barton in action with Burnley’s Dean Marney

The Ibrox club have eight points from their opening four matches, and former player Johnstone feels their performances haven’t quite been good enough in what is a much tougher league.

“Like Barton, the team have yet to put in a 90 minute performance, and they are going to need to do that not only against Celtic next week, but in every game at this level,” Johnstone wrote for the Evening Times.

“They are playing well at times, but that’s not good enough. They may have got away with that last season in a lesser league, but when they’re in this league they have to be on song right from the first whistle.”

Joey Barton applauds fans as he is substituted

Rangers have picked up two wins and two draws from their opening four matches, while five Scottish League Cup victories have seen them progress into the third round of the domestic cup.

The Gers face Celtic at Celtic Park next weekend in what will be the first Old Firm derby of the season, and there is no doubt that the Hoops head into the fixture having made the better start to the season.

Rangers will have to be at their best in order to pick up a positive result against Brendan Rodgers’ men, and boss Mark Warburton will be looking for Barton to make the sort of impact he has been promising.