Joey Barton ramps up rivalry as he claims he is '˜a better player' than Scott Brown

Joey Barton has already started stoking the fires ahead of his Old Firm baptism after telling Celtic rival Scott Brown he is the superior player.

The outspoken former England midfielder knocked back the chance of another crack at the Barclays Premier League with Burnley in order to sign for Mark Warburton’s Light Blues.

And he reckons he is about to show Hoops midfielder Brown – who is looking to lead his side to their sixth straight title – who is boss.

Barton has already claimed his aim next season is to make himself the best player in Scotland and he went further while guesting on TalkSPORT’s breakfast show with Alan Brazil.

Asked if he will be a marked man in Scotland, the 33-year-old said: “Of course, that’s the nature of being me. It comes with the territory.

“But 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.

“He can’t get near me. If I play well, Brown does not stand a chance. That’s not me being blase – that’s just me stating what I believe.”

The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille battler was a pivotal figure for Sean Dyche’s Clarets last term as they won a ticket to England’s top flight by topping the SkyBet Championship.

And he insists he is not ready to slow down yet, even if Scotland’s top flight cannot boast the riches on offer down south.

He said: “If people are going to have a different opinion ... it’s not going to be Joey Barton v Scott Brown. It’s Glasgow Rangers v the rest of Scottish football. There’s some good sides, some really good players. It will be competitive.”