Joey Barton unaware of Queens Park Rangers shirt snub

Joe Barton has revealed that he was unaware of the club's decision not to give him a squad number for the new Premier League season.

The midfielder's future at Loftus Road was cast in doubt on Thursday when it was announced that his number 17 shirt would be given to new signing Ryan Nelsen.

"Heard my shirt numbers gone to someone else," he tweeted. "News to me...

"Just come off the golf course so only just heard. A call would of been nice. Ah, well life goes on..."

QPR start the new Premier League campaign at home to Swansea City on Saturday.