Joey Barton to ‘return to full-time training’ at Rangers following suspension
JOEY BARTON will "return to full-time training" at Rangers following his club-imposed suspension for rowing with a team-mate.
The 34-year-old former QPR and Burnley midfielder has been absent from the club since his bust-up with Andy Halliday following September's 5-1 loss in the Old Firm derby.
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He attended a meeting with club officials with agent Eddy Jennings last week during which his suspension was continued.
Barton has stated repeatedly he wants to return and fight for his place, having signed from Burnley in May on a two-year deal.
An official club statement said: "Joey Barton has been told he will return to full-time training following the conclusion of a disciplinary procedure.
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"The Auchenhowie [training base] management team will inform the player of appropriate training arrangements to which he must adhere for as long as he remains a Rangers player.
"Neither the club, nor the player, will comment further."
Scouser Barton also faces Scottish FA charges for breaching betting rules, having been charged with placing 44 bets on games between 1 July and 15 September.
Barton was not available for comment but had said earlier in the day on Twitter that it was "a lovely day for a @Iceman_Hof session and a run!" in reference to Dutch ice bath training guru Wim Hof.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle United and QPR player, who has one England cap, has made eight appearances for Mark Warburton's side, who are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, nine points behind their bitter rivals Celtic.
But the fact that Joey Barton is returning to full-time training does not necessarily mean the resumption of his Rangers career.
Under Fifa rules, a player under contract at a club must be provided with training facilities - and the statement does not say he is returning to the squad, or is available for selection.