Former Rangers boss Graeme Souness admits that he was taken aback by Joey Barton’s failure and eventual exit from Ibrox this season.
Many felt Mark Warburton pulled off a coup when he convinced Barton to shun the opportunity to play Premier League football with Burnley and join Rangers in the summer.
However, things turned sour soon after the veteran midfielder had a training ground bust up with Andy Halliday following Rangers' defeat at Celtic in September and he received a suspended from the club.
And the whole fracas came to a logical conclusion when Barton’s contract at Rangers was eventually terminated last month.
Souness admits that the midfielder’s failure at Rangers surprised him as he believes that despite his demeanor from outside, Barton remains a sensible footballer and he feels both Warburton and the player would have done things differently if given a second chance.
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“Yeah, it was a gamble but I was reassured”, Souness told the Herald Scotland.
“I worked with him at the Euros. He was knowledgeable about his football, had done his homework on Glasgow Rangers and never stopped asking me questions the club.
"He was determined to do well. I was taken aback.
“I was expecting to meet this wildcard but he wasn’t, he was sensible, knowledgeable and desperate to do well at Rangers.
"Without probably knowing it, he quickly realised how big a club Rangers are and it’s not happened for him.
“I don’t know the circumstances, what was said or how it was said, so I can’t comment. But these things happen, not all signings work out.
“I’m sure Barton will regret it hasn’t worked out. I’ll guarantee that.
"The manager will also look back. I look back on many an occasion and wish I’d done something differently. Maybe Mark thinks that, you’d have to ask him."
Barton is currently training with his former club Burnley and is weighing up his options ahead of the January window.
