Joey Barton has apologised for his part in the dressing room bust-up that has seen him banished from Auchenhowie.

The midfielder has been told to stay away from the Rangers Training Centre until Monday by boss Mark Warburton after a fall-out in the aftermath of last weekend's Old Firm defeat.

The Light Blues crashed to a 5-1 loss at Parkhead as they continued their poor start to the Premiership campaign and Barton is one of a number of Gers players who have come under criticism so far this term.

Barton was sent home on Tuesday after a heated confrontation with some of his team-mates and will not be in the squad to face Ross County on Saturday.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers lost identity at Celtic Park and must bounce back against Ross County

And the 34-year-old took to Twitter on Thursday evening to apologise for his part in the drama that could leave his Ibrox future hanging in the balance.

Barton said: "Obviously after (the) Old Firm game on Saturday everybody was hurting and in training on Tuesday there was full and frank discussion about the result and reasons for our loss.

"I, like everyone else, care deeply about the task at hand, which is to restore Rangers Football Club to the top of Scottish football.

"The discussion we had involved some sharp disagreement about the game and some harsh words were said. There were only words involved in the disagreement, nothing else. Nevertheless, some of the words used did overstep the mark.

"As someone who communicates directly, I accept that some of the things I said were inappropriate and for that I apologise unreservedly. I cannot, however, apologise for caring deeply about winning and for wanting to perform better myself and for Rangers to do much better.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers lost identity at Celtic Park and must bounce back against Ross County

"The manager felt that my words were inappropriate and asked that I take some time out to reflect on what was said. He judged that it was best if I didn't report for training again until Monday.

"Whilst I don't feel that this was necessary I fully respect the manager's decision. I regret what happened and on Monday I will report for training and I will do what it takes to help the team draw a line under it so that we can get back to the task at hand.

"I want Rangers to win. This is all I care about and my overriding intention is to give my all, everyday, in order to help Rangers to do that.

"I hope this message clarifies the situation and puts to bed all the other speculation and nonsense. Rangers needs to get back to winning football matches. This is the most important thing for me now."