Heaton tips Joey to fire up title bid

BURNLEY and England goalkeeper Tom Heaton has backed Joey Barton’s positive vibes to stoke an Ibrox title challenge.

The 30-year-old, who was part of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad in France, admits prior perceptions of the controversial midfielder did not square with reality when they played together at Turf Moor last season.

After Barton helped Burnley win the English Championship, Heaton backed the 33-year-old to have a similar positive influence in the SPFL Premiership.

‘Joey was incredible for us last season,’ said Heaton.

‘Having not met him before he joined us he came with a reputation. But from what I’ve seen that reputation was not right.

‘He was incredible on the pitch for Burnley and he was incredible off the pitch, too.

‘I can’t speak highly enough of Joey. He was top drawer. We have a tight-knit group and he fitted right into it. He was brilliant around the place and he led by example with his work ethic and dedication.

‘He affects people in a positive way. He is someone who takes people with him and I was certainly impressed with his professionalism.

‘He was just really good at getting the best out of people.

‘I have a lot of time for him and we still speak. I think Rangers have themselves a real asset there.’

Heaton admits he was surprised Barton (right) chose the Scottish Premiership over the English Premier League.

Despite his old team-mate having become embroiled in a public spat with Celtic captain Scott Brown, however, the keeper does not fear Barton will be caught up in the Old Firm mayhem.

‘I wouldn’t have any worries, about that,’ he said.

‘I was most impressed with the element of control that Joey seems to have found later in his career.

‘He didn’t have any issues and any time he did, he got control pretty quickly. I wouldn’t bat an eyelid about him handling the Old Firm.

‘I was a little surprised he left us but he has his own reasons and playing for Rangers is another string to his bow.’

Heaton also worked alongside new Rangers keeper Matt Gilks and believes his former mentor will have a good influence on Ibrox No 1 Wes Foderingham.

‘Gillo is a fantastic keeper with a wealth of experience,’ he said after Burnley’s 3-1 win at Ibrox on Saturday.

‘He has played over 400 career games and he was fantastic for me. I know he was disappointed not to play more games but he is delighted to be up here.’

While Heaton’s form for Burnley has taken him into the England squad, the goalkeeper admitted his bafflement at George Boyd and Scott Arfield’s lack of international recognition. Boyd has not featured for Scotland since starting in a World Cup qualifier in Serbia three years ago while Arfield grew so sick of waiting for a call-up he elected to represent Canada. ‘I’m surprised Boyd hasn’t played more for Scotland, especially a few years ago when he was doing well in the Premier League,’ said Heaton. ‘And I was surprised Arfield wasn’t involved as well.’