FORMER Rangers midfielder Ray Wilkins reckons the Ibrox crowd will ‘love’ Joey Barton as he closes in on deal with Mark Warburton’s side.

The 33-year-old is set to become the fourth new arrival this summer and will follow Matt Crooks, Josh Windass and Jordan Rossiter in making the move north of the border.

Barton was named in the Championship Team of the Year as he helped Burnley clinch their return to the Premier League this term.

But he will now look to inspire Warburton’s side to Premiership glory after committing his future to the Light Blues.

And Wilkins is confident the former Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queen’s Park Rangers and Marseille star will be an instant hit at Ibrox.

He told talkSPORT: “I think Mark Warburton has done a good bit of business there to be honest because Joey has had a fantastic season for Burnley.

“People might have thought he would like another bash at the Premier League but, I have got to say, going up there for a couple of years will be remarkable for him. They will love him, they will love him up there because of the way he plays.

“With his drive and his attitude, and you know what the people in Scotland are like, they just love you to have a work ethic. And Joey has that work ethic.

“He may come out with the most ridiculous comments every now and then. But I have to say, on the pitch, where it belongs, he has done his business.

“I was up there, unfortunately, for Ian Britton’s funeral and the people were eulogising about Joey Barton. They thought he was fantastic.”