Joey Barton joins 'talkSPORT' team

Former Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has joined the presenting team at talkSPORT for the upcoming season.

Earlier this year the 34-year-old was handed an 18-month footballing suspension by the Football Association for a string of betting-related offences, although last month the ban was reduced to 13 months on appeal.

The decision means that Barton, previously of Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Manchester City, is effectively on the sidelines until the start of the 2018-19 season, leaving him free to pursue other opportunities this year.

"I'm really looking forward to the new football season," Barton said of joining the radio broadcaster. "Having listened to talkSPORT for many years, and given that I can't be on the pitch, being part of the biggest sports radio station every week is certainly the next best thing."

Liam Fisher, national controller for talkSPORT, added: "Joey is a superb pundit and never afraid to voice his opinions, so we're looking forward to him becoming part of our fantastic team."

Barton's punditry begins on August 12 with co-commentary of Liverpool's game at Watford.