Rangers assistant manager David Weir is of the opinion that new signing Joey Barton will enjoy playing under the burden of expectancy at Ibrox.
The Gers snapped up the 33-year-old on a two-year deal yesterday after he decided against extending his contract at Burnley.
Barton helped Burnley to gain promotion back to the Premier League by scoring and assisting three goals each in 38 league games.
The midfielder’s impressive performances also earned him a spot in the Championship’s Team of the Season.
Barton, who previously helped Queens Park Rangers to promotion, also has experience of helping a club reach the Champions League during his loan stint at Marseille.
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And Weir thinks Barton will relish playing at Rangers as the former Manchester City and Newcastle United star thrives on challenges.
"I think he enjoys it and it’s a big part of the reason he came here, because he realises what Rangers can be and the expectation to win football matches every week is a heavy burden", Weir was quoted as saying by the Herald Scotland.
"Some players don’t enjoy that and some players do enjoy that.
“I just get the feeling that Joey is going to really enjoy it; he’s been promoted with Burnley, he’s been promoted with Queen’s Park Rangers, he’s qualified for the Champions League with Marseille, he’s had success throughout his career on a number of levels.
“We are genuinely fortunate to get that at the club now.”
Barton, who progressed through Manchester City’s youth system before making his first team debut for the club in 2002, joined Newcastle United in 2007.
He was snapped up by QPR four seasons later, with Barton spending the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Marseille.
The Englishman then signed for Burnley on a one-year deal last summer.
