When Joey Barton signed for Rangers, one of the first thoughts was the spice he would add to the Old Firm derby.
Given the infrequency of their encounters over recent years, Rangers return to the Scottish Premiership, and as a result the renewal of the regularity of Old Firm derbies, next season was going to be interesting anyway.
Barton is the petrol on those flames.
Barton going head to head with Scott Brown is already a much anticipated clash.
Speaking to Talksport, Barton completely dismissed the Celtic captain's ability as a player.
People keep talking about Joey Barton and Scott Brown.
He ain't in my league. He is nowhere the level I am as a player. He can't get to me.
If I play well, Scott Brown doesn't stand a chance. That is not me being blasé. That is me just stating what I believe.
While he did acknowledge that there are some 'really good' players in Scotland, the former Burnley player eschewed the thought that they are anywhere near his ability.
I have been a marked man for 10 years - which is a lot of my own doing - and I am comfortable with that. I am comfortable with expectation, I'm comfortable with pressure, I'm comfortable with my mindset and focus I have in terms of turning in my own performances.
If I get to that level, unfortunately for anybody up there, they ain't going to live with me.
