MARK WARBURTON insists Joey Barton’s latest jibes towards Brendan Rodgers are just ‘banter’ and he won’t look to reel in the outspoken Rangers midfielder.

Barton claimed Celtic boss Rodgers was having a ‘mid-life crisis’ this week as he again aimed a light-hearted barb across the Glasgow divide.

The 33-year-old has made his mark north of the border after making the move to Ibrox earlier this summer and has also taken a shot at Parkhead skipper Scott Brown.

Barton has hit the headlines for his behaviour on and off the park throughout a colourful and at times controversial career in the game.

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But Warburton is confident Rodgers won’t take offence to Barton’s jokes about his tan and teeth as the countdown continues to the first Old Firm showdown of the season next month.

He said: “It’s what the game’s all about. It’s about banter, it’s about opinions.

“There’s nothing disrespectful there from Joey whatsoever. He’s a very intelligent individual.

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“It’s just a bit of banter. I think he followed that up by saying he was aware of the importance of the games and how much it means to him to be involved in those games. So the serious part of that conversation was very apt and very appropriate.

“I’ve said before, Joey speaks his opinion. If I think it’s inappropriate, I’ll speak to Joey, that’s for sure, but up till now, he has given his views on players and that’s his view.

“He always says ‘in my opinion’. That’s what the game’s about.

“Fans have opinions all the time. David and I will say so-and-so had his worst game of the season and he gets voted man of the match by the fans. It’s just opinions.

“As long as it's respectful, as long as it’s tongue in cheek, I don’t have a problem. I think the fans appreciate it.

“He’s no fool. He knows the size of the club. He knows the size of the fan base. He’s good speaker.

“He’s a football anorak. He loves his football and his facts and his data. He’s an avid reader. He’s a smart guy.

“I’m sure [Brendan] will [take it in good heart]. The important thing is that they are both at Loch Lomond Golf Club. That’s the big one.

“I think Joey Barton will give Brendan a few shots. Brendan is a good guy and I’m sure he will take it in the right context.”