Barton eager for Rangers return

London (AFP) – Joey Barton insisted Thursday he cannot wait to get back playing for Rangers following his three-week ban by the Glasgow giants.

The outspoken midfielder was sidelined by Rangers following a heated row with manager Mark Warburton and team-mate Andy Halliday after their 5-1 defeat by Celtic in the Glasgow derby.

But he told his Twitter followers on Thursday he wanted to return to Ibrox as he promoted his new autobiography No Nonsense. 

Responding to a series of tweets, the English midfielder said: “People far too quick to write (the team) off. Celtic game was 1st competitive loss since 28th Dec 2015. 30+ games.

“(I’m) not going anywhere, happy to be judged after the season. Played 8 games. Had to use some for fitness as (we) had no pre season!

“Can’t wait to get back and show what [I] am about. Came to be successful. Nothing’s changed.

“Never ran from a challenge in my life. Not about to start now.”

Meanwhile Barton responded to criticism on Twitter by saying: “If you want to buy (the book), buy it. If you don’t, don’t. But don’t come on here moaning at me today. I can’t be arsed with you. Have a day off.”