WHEN Joey Barton comes face-to-face with the England players he savaged for releasing books in the wake of their failed World Cup campaign, the belligerent Manchester City midfielder will be unrepentant.
This uncompromising streak both on and off the field has taken Barton to the brink of a first England call-up and seen the combative Scouser draw favourable comparisons with Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Yet while Keane’s savage criticism of his team-mates heralded the end of his United career, his outburst against certain members of the England squad looks likely to be rewarded with a first full call-up.
Fragile egos in the England squad may have been bruised by Barton’s remarks, but those who deal with the 24-year-old on a daily basis at City see the midfielder’s candour as one of his greatest strengths.
“Joey will admit himself he’s very outspoken and is not afraid to speak his mind,” said City skipper Richard Dunne, “call it arrogance or confidence, that’s just him.
“For him every training session is like a game. People get injured, often from Joey desperately wanting to win at five-a-side. You need that kind of mentality in any dressing room or training ground.”
Asked about the rash of post-World Cup books from England players, Barton said: “Why were they bringing books out? It’s like ‘we got beat in the quarter-finals, I played like s***, Here’s my book.’ Who wants to read that?”
Such an outburst is typical Barton who, past transgressions aside, is a breath of fresh air in the sanitised world of modern football, where players are cosseted by agents and everything they say is designed to tow the party line.
And it is this trait, just as much as his on-field ability, Dunne believes Steve McClaren’s England squad need more than ever.
Barton has been called many things during his controversial career. But being hailed as the new Keane is one of the more favourable for a young man who at times has seemed hell-bent on destroying his public image. Mention Barton’s name and people will recall his misdemeanours – the time when he stubbed a cigar out in the eye of a City youth team player or the brawl with fans on a tour in Bangkok.
Then there was his decision to bare his backside to Everton fans this season, followed by that dig at England players.
Such episodes are something Barton has conceded he will never be able to escape. “In five or 10 years’ time, I’ll still be known as the player who stepped out of line early in his career,” he said.
But Barton’s anticipated inclusion in McClaren’s squad for next week’s friendly against Spain is testimony to just how much he has matured on and off the field in the past 18 months.
And Dunne, who played alongside Keane for Ireland, added: “Joey has the same drive and ambition Keano had. I think he now knows what it takes to be the very best, which is ultimately what Joey wants to be – the best midfielder in England. Keano was never the most skilful player, but at one stage many felt he was the best in the world. Joey hasn’t got all the tricks and skills, but he’s got everything else in abundance.
“He’s definitely got what Keano had – that passion, leadership qualities and innate desire to win at all costs. The potential is there.”
And Dunne believes his presence could be just what McClaren needs. “For so long England have picked the best 11 individuals, rather than the best team players. Why not throw in two or three of the best team players with the big stars?
“A change like that, with someone like Joey, might just give them a kick up the backside.”
Barton is one of the best English midfielders. And his call-up might prove a significant step towards ridding the national team of the conceit and complacency that has undermined it for too long. Just don’t mention the books, Joey.
WHAT BARTON SAID ABOUT ENGLAND’S ‘STARS’..
“England did nothing in that World Cup, so why were they bringing books out? ‘We got beat in the quarter-finals. I played like s***. Here’s my book.’ Who wants to read that? I don’t.
“I went to Dubai in the summer and I’d go running at six every morning. It was
30 degrees and I’d be out with a jumper on and my socks pulled up. I said to myself: ‘Will Gerrard and Lampard and the others in the England squad be out doing this now? Will they be up at six, going running, going back to bed for an hour and then to the gym?’
“Some might. But if they’re not, it means I’ll be getting closer to them.
“I’d love to be involved with England. I’m not the best player in the world but I wouldn’t be going along for the ride like some players.
“I wouldn’t be like Gerrard or Lampard, who are superstars at their clubs and want the limelight when they play for England. If there were two balls on the pitch, then I think England would be successful but, the fact is, it’s been proven they don’t work together. If they want somebody to do the crap jobs for them, I’d like to think I was capable of that. Win the ball, give it to them. That’s fine by me.”
WHAT LAMPS SAID ABOUT HIM..
"I don’t think Joey Barton should talk about me and Steven Gerrard.
"We’re professionals who have worked hard. Joey said he was in Dubai running at six in the morning and wondered if me and Stevie G were doing the same. I was doing that when I was 11.
"I’ve been training my socks off for a long time and Stevie G has as well. Maybe Joey Barton has found that (graft) thing. There are a lot of players fighting for a place in the England team who have been around for a few years. They don’t come out and say something publicly.
"They just get their head down and keep fighting."
.. AND WHY BOSS MCCLAREN STILL WANTS HIM
"I like Joey Barton. I know he has had his troubles. He is one of those players we talk about who has matured. He is a leader, a great character. I saw him in the Manchester derby. You need forthright people like that, not just on the field but off it as well."