THE question marks regarding his personality can cloud the judgement of Joey Barton as a player.

For some, the negative headlines the 33-year-old has made on the front pages overshadow his ability to produce moments that earn him rave reviews on the back.

Joe Jordan has no fears over Barton’s character or his ability, though. If Mark Warburton can get the best out of him, it could prove to be his finest signing of the summer at Ibrox.

With a Championship medal in his pocket and the offer of a new contract on the table at Turf Moor, it looked like Barton would remain with Burnley for a crack at the Premier League next term.

But it is Scotland’s top flight he could be gracing in the coming months if Gers boss Warburton can get a deal over the line to bring the former Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers star north of the border.

Jordan worked with Barton during his time at Loftus Road under Harry Redknapp and has watched on this season as the midfielder has inspired the Clarets to the Championship crown.

Life in the Glasgow goldfish bowl will be a new experience for Barton but it is one he has been backed to handle if he chooses to join Warburton’s squad this summer.

Jordan told SportTimes: “I can’t comment on him from over his career because I only worked with him at QPR, but his performances this season with Burnley have been very good.

“He was in the Championship Team of the Year and, along with Andre Gray, was one of the reasons they showed that consistency in getting results.

“His performances have been very good and that is the only way to prove that you are worthy of getting contracts wherever. His current form has been good, it has been good all season.

“He was not a problem [at QPR]. All I can say is what is there to see.

“In my time at QPR, we never had a problem with Joey Barton and he played regularly in the team. We didn’t have any problem with him whatsoever.

“Following that, he has gone to Burnley and I am sure if you spoke to Burnley and the people that have worked there alongside him they will verify what I have said.

“From what I have seen this season looking at him, and having watched a couple of games live, he has had a very good season. He has played very well and played consistently well.”

The news of Barton’s potential arrival at Ibrox has sparked another wave of headlines regarding the midfielder in recent days but this time, like it has been this season, they are for the right reasons.

His switch north of the border would be surprise to many, with the midfielder still seemingly more than capable of plying his trade in the Premier League.

But former QPR assistant manager Jordan can see the attraction of the deal from both sides as Warburton looks to get his fourth new face signed up this summer.

He said: “Why should I be surprised? He is a player that is available and Rangers are a big club.

“Joey has had a very good season, he has been very instrumental in the success Burnley have had. He has been in good form this year.

“I haven’t known him throughout his career but from what I have seen of him this year he has been very consistent, as have Burnley. Their performances merit going up as champions. “They have maybe not played exceptionally well week in week out but they have had that resilience which is necessary to get promotion and they have done it as champions.

“It has been a tough season for them but to get relegated and then come straight back up is not an easy feat. I think everyone at the club should be given credit for that.

“I think there is an attraction of playing with a club the size of Rangers and the chance to win medals.”