Premier League: Joey Barton backs QPR boss Harry Redknapp to freshen squad in January

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has backed manager Harry Redknapp to bring fresh faces into the squad in January that can help ensure their Premier League survival.

Rangers lifted themselves out of the bottom three with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday – their fourth Premier League win of the season.

Redknapp recently admitted Rangers are pursuing a number of targets ahead of the next transfer window and Barton, 32, insists it is always important to bring new bodies in.

“I’m sure they’ll try to do some business in the window and if anyone has got a great track record at doing that then it’s our manager,” he told Sky Sports.

“The squad always needs freshening – it’s always good to have new bodies in. The manager and the staff will make the calls on that.”

Barton has made eight Premier League appearances this season following a two-year absence from the division and he says he is relishing playing in the top flight.

He said: “It’s great to be back in the Premier League after I had a sabbatical in France and then played a season in the Championship.

“You can forget how great this league is and what it’s like to be a part of it. You can be guilty of letting things pass you by.

“I’m enjoying playing with this group of men and under this manager, and that the fans like me – which hasn’t always been the case.

“I just want more goals.”