WILLIE HENDERSON reckons Joey Barton will have been blown away by his tour of Ibrox before committing his future to Rangers last week.

The midfielder put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the champions on Tuesday as he turned down the chance to remain in England with newly promoted Burnley.

Barton was named in the Championship Team of the Year as he has inspired Sean Dyche’s side to the second tier title south of the border.

But it is in Scotland’s top flight where he will be playing his football next term as he looks to help the Light Blues mount a challenge for the Premiership crown.

The move for Barton was a significant coup for boss Mark Warburton but Ibrox legend Henderson reckons it would have been love at first sight for the 33-year-old.

He said: “I remember walking in these doors at 15 years of age, and at that time, I don’t think I was intending on signing for Glasgow Rangers, but after coming in and seeing the history of the club, it was just fantastic for me.

“I’ve been back for the last 17 years hosting in the hospitality suites, and I take great pride and joy each time I am allowed to walk in those front doors and walk up the marble staircase.

“Joey Barton will have been blown away by the supporters as well – he will never have seen supporters like what he is going to play in front of.”

The capture of Barton is the most high-profile deal Rangers have completed to date this summer as Warburton prepares for a crack at the Premiership title at the first time of asking.

Accrington Stanley pair Matt Crooks and Josh Windass and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter have also agreed moves to Ibrox and another handful of players are expected in the coming weeks.

Barton will add much needed experience to the Light Blues ranks and Henderson is pleased to have the former Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR and Marseille star on board for the new campaign.

“He seems to be a very good player who has had a very good career down in England,” he told rangers.co.uk.

“I am a great believer in Mark Warburton – he has done an excellent job since he has come up here, and if Mark thinks he is a player who is going to benefit Rangers Football Club, I’ll go along with that.

“Joey must think it’s great to be coming up here to play with a club like Glasgow Rangers, which is great as well, as I’m quite sure there are a few clubs in England who would have been after him. The fact he’s refused their offers to come up here is great.”