Pardew Praises Barton

NEWCASTLE United boss Alan Pardew has spoken of his admiration for Joey Barton ahead of Monday's clash

A decision taken out of his hands, Pardew had to wave goodbye to the combative midfielder when the board took the decision to allow him to leave.

Speaking in the build up to Monday's clash Pardew says Barton has nothing to prove to him as the Toon head to Loftus Road.

'We all know how good he is,' he told Newcastle's official website

'I enjoyed my time with Joey. He is a challenging personality, but he is engaging and entertaining as well.

'We miss him in some ways, but as a team we go forward and we have new players who are looking to make their own mark on the team.

'He was a great player for me in the period I was here. He did terrifically well and I wish him all the best.'

Pardew has connections with Rangers' chairman Tony Fernandes due to his attempts to take over his former club West Ham United.

He continued: 'They have signed some good players, they have an experienced manager there and you would expect them to pick up and do well.

'It makes the Premier League that much tougher when the teams who come up invest and spend - it always makes it more difficult for the established clubs.'

Barton looks set to join several other new faces including fellow international Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.