Joey fuels the fire with live dig at Brown
JOEY BARTON has launched a blistering attack on Scott Brown, telling the Celtic captain: “You ain’t in my league”.
New Rangers star Barton was a guest on Sunday Post columnist Alan Brazil’s TalkSport breakfast show yesterday morning, broadcasting live from the European Championships in France.
And the no-nonsense midfielder broke off from discussing England’s tournament opener with Russia to pour fuel on the Old Firm fire ahead of the Light Blues return to the Premiership.
Pressed by Brazil on his historic disciplinary problems – and warned he faces a battle next season with Celtic skipper Brown – Barton took aim at his future foe.
He said: “I’m not being disrespectful to the players up there.
“People keep talking about Joey Barton and Scott Brown – but he ain’t in my league.
“He’s nowhere near the level I am as a player. He can’t get to me.
“If I play well, Scott Brown doesn’t stand a chance.
“That’s not me being blasé. That’s me just stating what I believe.”
Barton’s comments will whet the appetite of fans on both sides of the Glasgow divide for the impending resumption of Old Firm hostilities.
And he went on to confirm the return of the derby was a big reason for him heading north.
“Football is an institution up there with the rivalry. I could not believe what I walked into,” he said.
“I was like: ‘ Wow, I’ve got to sample this’.
“I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I hadn’t taken the opportunity.
“Brendan Rodgers coming to Celtic shows real positive signs and hopefully there will be more players to come.
“It’s not been the greatest period for Scottish football over the last few years.
“The only disappointing thing is not having Scotland in France. Imagine all the home nations here. It would be fantastic.”
Alan Brazil last night admitted he can’t wait to see Rangers’ new signing go head-to-head with Celtic’s skipper next season.
“It’s strong stuff from Joey, but you wouldn’t expect anything less from him,” he said.
“I think Broony will be relishing the battle just as much as Joey obviously is.
“It’s great for Celtic, great for Rangers and I believe it’s great for Scottish football.”
RANGERS KEEN ON KEEPER – See Page 14.