Barton should be embraced, says McCann

Rangers signed the controversial midfielder this summer, but things have not gone smoothly for the former Man City player in Glasgow.

Barton was involved in a training ground row with Andy Halliday and has said that he is playing at a lower level in the Scottish Premier League.

However, McCann told 'Sky Sports' that he thinks that Barton has been managed poorly by Warburton, who knew about Barton's personality before he came to Rangers.

"What I've heard is he's not a bad professional and he's not being a bad influence," McCann said. "Yes, he's a bit mouthy, but we all know Joey's like that anyway, so deal with it.

"That leads me to Mark Warburton. If you're signing Joey Barton, you know what he's coming with. He's strongly opinionated".

McCann added: "If you bring in someone like that, embrace it. I believe Joey Barton is a good footballer who can offer a lot to Rangers on the pitch still".

Barton was banned for three weeks for his argument with Halliday and his future at the Scottish giants remains uncertain.