Joey Barton 'to train with Rangers academy, will not return to first team'

Joey Barton will reportedly be ordered to train with Rangers' academy players when he returns to the club following a lengthy suspension.

The 34-year-old midfielder has not featured for the Scottish outfit since the team were mauled 5-1 by Celtic on September 10.

Barton was hit with a seven-day suspension after being involved in an altercation with teammate Andy Halliday on the training pitch, but it was extended by three weeks after he refused to apologise.

Rangers released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Barton will remain at the club and will return to full-time training once a disciplinary procedure is concluded.

However, according to Sky Sports News, manager Mark Warburton will not consider Barton for first-team selection when the midfielder returns to the Auchenhowie facility.

Barton joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer, signing a deal worth a reported £20,000 a week.