Scott Brown hits back at "Celtic fan" Joey Barton

Celtic captain Scott Brown has hit back at jibes from Rangers midfielder Joey Barton, claiming that the former Queens Park Rangers skipper is a fan of the Scottish champions.

Brown, 30, was making fun of the fact that Barton had previously made public his affection for the Hoops in a 2012 tweet.

The recent Gers signing had previously told talkSPORT: "Without being disrespectful to the players up there, people keep talking about Joey Barton v Scott Brown. He's not even in my league – he's nowhere near the level of player I am."

Brown hit back, telling BBC Sport: "I've not been in his league, he's in my league. I think we'll get on really well, him being a Celtic fan, so I think we'll get on great."

The first Old Firm league derby of the 2016-17 Scottish Premiership season takes place on September 10.