FORMER Celtic defender Tom Boyd claims new Rangers signing Joey Barton is ‘jealous’ of Bhoys captain Scott Brown.
The 50-year old’s comments came after Barton sensationally dismissed Brown as a force, suggesting that the Celtic midfielder was “nowhere near his level” and that “he doesn’t stand a chance” when the two meet in the Glasgow derby next season.
However, with Barton having allegedly admitted before that he is a Celtic supporter, Bhoys legend Boyd believes the former Burnley midfielder's remarks all boil down to him wanting to play for the green side of Glasgow rather than the blue side.
"Joey has certainly been saying a lot before the campaign has started and doing a lot of talking,” said Boyd, speaking as club ambassador as Celtic donated £7,000 to this year’s Glasgow Taxis’ Outing Fund for Sick Children.
“It’s just a bit of banter before the season starts. It’s perhaps filled with a hint of jealousy that Brendan (Rodgers, Celtic manager) never came in for him.
“We do know he is a big Hoops fan; he’s said that in the past. He’s probably just jealous that he’s not playing alongside Scott (Brown) rather than against him.”
Meanwhile, Boyd is looking forward to seeing if Barton can back up his words on the pitch come August.
“Joey’s a very good footballer, but we’ll wait and see if he can talk the talk," he said. "He’s got a decent pedigree and is someone who can have an influence on the pitch, but there’s still a long way to go in the campaign and we’ll to see if he can follow it up.”
