Former Rangers star Bob Malcolm has backed Joey Barton to bounce back from his poor display in the Old Firm clash against Celtic at the weekend.
The Englishman, who joined Rangers from Burnley on a free transfer in the summer, had a quiet game at Celtic Park as the home team claimed a memorable 5-1 victory over the Gers.
Barton was expected to be one of Rangers’ most influential players in the Old Firm derby, but the 34-year-old disappointed.
But Malcolm, who praised Barton for keeping a calm head during the debacle at Parkhead, has no doubt that the midfielder will come good as the season progresses.
“Joey Barton is another player with huge experience”, he told the Herlad Scotland.
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“People are saying he had a bad game on Saturday. But Joey Barton has had bad games before and has bounced back and he’ll do so again.
“You don’t play for the clubs he has played for without being a quality footballer.
“I haven’t been in a situation in an Old Firm game where I have been beaten by that many goals before.
“But I have been in situations where you are two or three goals down. It isn’t nice. You just want to go around and boot somebody.
“In the past, Joey might have done something stupid in similar circumstances. I think he has actually shown great maturity to keep his head.
“He appreciates he is no use to the team when he is suspended. I am sure he will come good as he gets games and the team comes together.”
Barton, who is contracted with Rangers until the summer of 2018, has thus far made eight appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants.
He is yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the Gers, who are currently third in the Scottish Premiership table.
