Thursday 3 November 2016 11:44, UK
Joey Barton has arrived at Rangers training centre following the club's conclusion of his disciplinary procedure.
The 34-year-old had not been seen at the Auchenhowie complex since his involvement in a training-ground row with team-mate Andy Halliday and boss Mark Warburton in the wake of Rangers' 5-1 defeat to Celtic in September.
The spat resulted in the former Burnley midfielder serving a near eight-week suspension which was lifted by the Ibrox club on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the Scottish Premiership club said 'appropriate training arrangements would be made for him as long as he remains a Rangers player'.
But Sky sources understand he will not be considered for first-team action and will train with the U20s in a bid to build up to match fitness following his lengthy lay-off.
Stuart Pearce, who managed Barton during the pair's time together at Manchester City, believes it is now time for the former England man to kickstart his career.
Speaking to Sky Sports Now, he said: "I thought it was a great acquisition when Rangers brought him from Burnley, who got a real good season out of Joey last year.
"He has obviously fallen out of favour at Rangers, I have no idea why, but he needs to eat a little bit of humble pie now, get himself back playing again.
"He's 34 years old, he's not a child any more, and he needs to be playing. If he has to start by getting his fitness up by training with the youth team then so be it,
"He loves playing football, I know that about Joey, so the bottom line is get fit and get back into first-team action."
