Barton says have played in England

Joey Barton believes Scott Brown would command more respect if he tested himself in England.

The former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder, who had a short and unsuccessful stint at Rangers, praised the Celtic captain’s “phenomenal” career but is of the view he should have followed in the footsteps of Barry Ferguson in experiencing football in the Premier League.

Barton, now manager of Fleetwood Town, was a marquee signing for Rangers in 2016 but would play only eight times before clashing with then manager Mark Warburton.

He faced Brown once in an Old Firm clash, coming out on the losing side as Rangers were thumped 5-1 at Celtic Park.

The Celtic captain has played close to 600 games for the Scottish champions, winning 20 major trophies while at Parkhead.

“He has had a phenomenal career, but there’s a reason he hasn’t come to the Premier League, a reason he hasn’t come and mixed it in the big shark tank down here,” Barton told the podcast Football CFB.

“If he had done he would probably get a lot more respect because he is a good player, there’s no doubt about it. I’ve seen it on the European nights.

“Barry Ferguson to his credit, he came down here, [Neil] Lennon came down here, they’ve all come down here.

“So to have yourself as a serious European player you have got to come to England. If you are the top boy in Scotland you have got to come and have a go in the Premier League.”

Ferguson, the former Rangers captain, had two spells in England’s top flight. The first, with Blackburn Rovers, was disrupted by a serious knee injury, but he returned south to join Birmingham and helped them win the League Cup in 2011.

Barton also took aim at Rangers captain James Tavernier, claiming his former team-mate hasn’t progressed due to his defensive frailties.

“He is great going forward, whips a great ball in but can’t defend for toffee,” he said. “That’s why he has never kicked on.”