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Rangers boss Mark Warburton hails Joey Barton signing

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is delighted with the signing of Joey Barton
Image: Rangers manager Mark Warburton is delighted with the signing of Joey Barton

Mark Warburton says the signing of Joey Barton is a real statement of intent from Rangers as he also hailed the impact of head of recruitment Frank McParland at the club.

The Gers manager received a glowing reference from Burnley boss Sean Dyche about Barton, and he is looking forward to working with the midfielder, as well as fellow new signings Jordan Rossiter, Josh Windass and Matt Crooks.

Barton has signed a two-year deal with the Ibrox club and Warburton is confident he will have a positive effect on the likes of Jason Holt, Andy Halliday and Harry Forrester in the Rangers midfield.

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Joey Barton explains why he chose to move to Rangers

"Bringing Joey to Rangers is a big statement of intent by the club," he told The Sun. "He can help us get even more out of our developing talents, inspire everyone to get to the next level, winning more trophies, getting us where a club like Rangers has to be...at the very top.

"Joey brings an enormous amount of experience and is a top professional. That he's signed for Rangers is a huge show of respect for our club and appreciation of what we can offer him. I'm very excited about what Joey can do for the team. He's got a real desire to win, he's a combative midfielder."

And Warburton, who said Rangers are looking to make "two or three more good signings", believes former Liverpool chief scout McParland deserves huge praise for his role in the summer transfers, including that of 19-year-old Rossiter from Anfield.

Warburton believes Rangers' head of recruitment Frank McParland (left) deserves great credit
Image: Warburton believes Rangers' head of recruitment Frank McParland (left) deserves great credit

"I can't give Frank enough credit for the work he's doing for me and Rangers. I was absolutely delighted to bring him to the club because I knew how important, how valuable, he was going to be in what we're trying to do," Warburton told The Sun.

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"Frank has a fantastic eye for a player but he's also very well connected. A year ago we wouldn't have had a chance of bringing someone like Joey Barton to the club.

"However, Frank knows Joey very well and that relationship provided us with a great chance of getting him. The same goes for Jordan Rossiter. Frank knew all about him from his days working for Liverpool - so when there was an opportunity to sign the lad we moved as quickly as we could.

Rossiter made his Premier League debut for Liverpool against Arsenal at the Emirates
Image: Rossiter made his Premier League debut for Liverpool against Arsenal at the Emirates

"Jordan's got the heart of a lion and I firmly believe he will prove to be every bit as good a signing as Joey. He was very highly thought of at Liverpool and they weren't exactly in a hurry to lose him. He's a great age to develop and get even better. I'm excited to get him for Rangers.

"Listen, in terms of stature Joey Barton's probably the biggest signing I've made as a manager but Jordan's a tremendous prospect and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

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