Joey must walk the walk after all his talk, says McAvennie

FORMER Celtic idol Frank McAvennie believes verbally attacking Celtic captain Scott Brown could be the biggest mistake Joey Barton has made since pitching up in Scottish football. And McAvennie already feels sorry for referee Craig Thomson, who will need to keep the pair under control at Celtic Park next week.

‘Joey’s comments have been great fun but he’s not kicked a ball yet,’ he said. ‘He’s a very good player but Rangers haven’t stepped up to the mark.

‘I don’t think Joey is up to speed yet or up to scratch. He’s getting older and he’s maybe moving slower but he’ll be up for the game next week, that’s for sure.

‘Personally, I’m delighted that Scott is going to get a test. Nobody has stepped up to challenge him

for years — no one has gone in there and said that they are going to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

‘So it’s a challenge and he’ll be up for it, but the referee will have to be strong — all the best to him with that one!’