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

A general view prior to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match between Rangers and Hearts at Ibrox Stadium on July 23, 2011
© Getty Images
Joey Barton will reportedly be ordered to train with the academy players and will not be considered for first-team selection upon his return.

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.

A general view of the Hampden Park Stadium on July 25, 2012
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic109103182328
2RangersRangers115421512319
3Hearts115331912718
4Aberdeen115331710718
5St Johnstone125341513218
6Inverness Caledonian ThistleInverness123541921-214
7Partick Thistle113441415-113
8Kilmarnock123451223-1113
9Motherwell113351518-312
10Hamilton AcademicalHamilton112541216-411
11Ross County12246922-1310
12Dundee122371018-89