Rangers midfielder Joey Barton remains suspended by the Ibrox club.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton has told BT Sport that he “absolutely” stands by the signing of Joey Barton.
Barton hasn’t played for the Gers since their 5-1 defeat at the hands of Celtic on 10 September, and was suspended the following week following an alleged bust-up involving Warburton and fellow midfielder Andy Halliday.
The Daily Mail reports that Barton is not expected to play for the club again after a meeting on Thursday, and could train with Rangers’ development squad until the January transfer window, at which point he will be allowed to leave.
But asked if he stands by his signing of the 34-year-old, who has made just eight appearances for the Glasgow giants, Warburton replied: “Absolutely, absolutely.
“The experience, the quality is there for all to see. I think everybody in football was both surprised and excited by that signing so I absolutely stand by that.”
Asked if he was concerned about a clash of personalities with Barton, who is notoriously outspoken, Warburton appeared to send a message in the exiled Liverpudlian’s direction.
“Me personally, I welcome opinion, but the key for me is how you deliver that,” he added. “The environment we like to create here – staff as well as players – is one of respect, as I say: have your opinion, speak your mind. I welcome that.
“In meetings I want communication – I’ve always said we’ll be better as a group as we improve our levels of communication. But make sure you deliver your message in a respectful way.”
Warburton is under pressure himself having overseen Rangers’ worst start to a league season in 27 years, not to mention two defeats from two against their Old Firm rivals.
The former Brentford boss was this week linked with a return to English football at Wigan Athletic.
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