Dyche coy on a Burnley return for Barton

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has no plans to sit down with Joey Barton and discuss his future at the club for now – after it was confirmed the controversial midfielder had been training with his former side.

Barton saw a brief spell at Rangers come to an end earlier this month after he was suspended over a row in training following his side’s 5-1 defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Celtic in September.

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old had helped the Clarets gain promotion in the Premier League before deciding on his ill-fated move north of the border over the summer.

For now Barton is merely looking after his fitness back in the north west, though Dyche was non-committal on a potential contract offer.

“I said last week if he wanted to come in he’s more than welcome and he has been with us for a number of days now,” said Dyche.
“He’s not with the first team though, just a bit of background fitness work with our sports scientists. That’s an ongoing thing until things change, at the moment that’s what it is.

“I have no plans at the moment (to sit down and talk future), he’s enjoying being back and getting fit.
“He’s always been fit but topping that up that he had an indifferent time up in Scotland. It’s about getting him good and sharp which is good for him of course.”