Warbs: I made a mistake over Barton pick
MARK WARBURTON has admitted it was a mistake picking Joey Barton ahead of Andy Halliday for Rangers.
The controversial English midfielder is currently suspended by the Ibrox club following a bust-up with Halliday in the aftermath of a 5-1 defeat by Celtic.
For many fans the mostimportant issue is performances on the pitch and not training-ground spats.
Barton started the season in the midfield holding role that was previously occupied by Halliday.
The Scot is now back in the Rangers side, captained them and scored against Queen of the South while adding to his tally at Aberdeen last Sunday and yesterday against Partick Thistle.
His manager clearly regrets leaving him out. He did not mention Barton but spoke warmly about the 24-year-old and hopes he will be considered for a Scotland call-up.
Warburton said: “We made what we thought was the right decision. In hindsight it wasn’t the right decision.
“Now hindsight’s a great thing, a marvellous thing to have. But there’s no doubt when Andy Halliday pulls a shirt on there’s no more passionate player for the club
“There’s no player more willing to do well for the club and what you see with Andy Halliday is totally genuine.
“Everything about Andy is top drawer – his passion for the club, his passion for playing football, his desire to get better and his willingness to help the team. I think he’s been outstanding.
“He deserved to have the captain’s armband in the League Cup and I think it showed in his display how much it meant to him.”
Warburton sees Halliday as a future Scotland player.
He went on: “I hope very much that, in time, we’re talking about Andy and Jason Holt being along with Barrie McKay and LeeWallace in the Scotland squad.
“They deserve to be there and, hopefully, they can impress Gordon Strachan and his staff in the coming weeks.”
Meanwhile, Warburton believes assistant boss DavieWeir is helping defender Clint Hill improve as a player.
Weir certainly knows what it’s like to be a veteran playing at the top level.
Warburton said: “Clint came in, played three games in a week and has done very well.
“He’s 38 next month, so for Clint to have David Weir here is another huge plus because David’s been there and done it until the age of 41.
“It reassures Clint that if you look after yourself and follow the right training regime, you can do that.”
He went on: “Clint probably had more touches of the ball in his first game at Ibrox than in any other game in his life.
“It was the same with Joe Garner. You take players hoping they can take on board ideas you’re trying to present to them.”