'A reason why he hasn't come to the Premier League' - Rangers flop Joey Barton on why Celtic captain Scott Brown would get more respect

The duo faced each other once when Barton was at Ibrox

Joey Barton believes Scott Brown would command more respect if he tested himself in England.

The Rangers flop praised the Celtic captain’s “phenomenal” career but is of the view he should have followed in the footsteps of Barry Ferguson in experiencing football in the Premier League.

Barton, now manager of Fleetwood Town, was a marquee signing for the Ibrox side in 2016 but would play just eight times before clashing with then manager Mark Warburton.

Joey Barton reckons Scott Brown would have commanded more respect if he moved to the Premier League. Picture: SNS

He faced Brown once in an Old Firm clash, coming out on the losing side as Rangers were thumped 5-1 at Celtic Park.

The Celtic ace has is nearing 600 games for the Premiership champions, racking up 20 trophies.

Barton told Football CFB: "He has had a phenomenal career, but there's a reason he hasn't come to the Premier League, a reason he hasn't come and mixed it in the big shark tank down here.

"If he had done he would probably get a lot more respect because he is a good player, there's no doubt a bout it, I've seen it on the European nights.

"Barry Ferguson to his credit, he came down here, Lennon came down here, they've all come down here.

"So to have yourself as a serious European player you have got to come to England. If you are the top boy in Scotland you have got to come and have a go in the Premier League."

Barton also took aim at Rangers captain James Tavernier, claiming his former team-mate hasn’t progressed due to his defensive frailties.

"He is great going forward, whips a great ball in but can't defend for toffee,” he said. "That's why he has never kicked on."