Scott Brown was taunted by Joey Barton ahead of the Old Firm derby last month
The Celtic skipper was taunted by Barton before the first derby of the season, with the Scouser claiming he’d be named player of the year and claiming Brown was not in the same league.
But after a miserable show in a 5-1 drubbing followed by a bust-up with staff and players, Barton is suspended and facing the axe with his Rangers career in tatters.
The 34-year-old will be nowhere near Hampden on Sunday when Rangers and Celtic collide in the Betfred Cup semi-final.
And Brown reckons Rangers will be better off without a player who did his team no favours on or off the park.
GETTY
Joey Barton has since been suspended by Rangers and faxes the axe
Asked if he was disappointed that Barton’s Old Firm career looks like lasting just one derby match, Brown said: “After the last performance, it’s quite amusing.
“He tried to wind the whole game up and for it to be about him, but yet again you come into these games where top quality players in the past have struggled.”
And with a withering putdown for the efforts of Barton in the 5-1 drubbing, he added: “It’s always going to be hard for anyone if they are not going to do the work.”
Brown kept quiet while Barton spouted about what he was going to do at Rangers.
GETTY
It looks increasingly unlikely that Brown and Barton will ever face off again in the Scottish Prem
The Hoops skipper reckons that turned up the heat on the Gers rather than annoying the Celtic camp.
Brown added: “He put his team-mates under a lot of pressure while we kept focused, kept on the straight and narrow and we just worried about our game, no one elses.
“I just did my talking on the park rather than in the media.
“They have now started to get a few results and get a steady team and that’s better for them. But we’re improving and getting stronger and fitter as well.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy