Dyche philosophical about Barton's Rangers move

Rangers' Joey Barton (right) challenges Annan Athletic's Przemyslaw Dachnowicz during the Betfred Cup, Group F match at the Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday July 19, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Rangers. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Championship winner Joey Barton is expected to come up against the Clarets at Ibrox tomorrow.

Barton made 38 appearances last season as Burnley won the title, winning a place in the PFA Championship team of the year and the official Burnley player of the year award.

But at the end of the season he was tempted by a two-year deal at Rangers, and boss Sean Dyche is philosophical about it all: “He made a decision, simple as that. “He spoke to me about it.

“It was a different life change and experience, in what probably are the last couple of years of his career.

“He loved it here and we totally enjoyed having him here.”

Barton became a huge crowd favourite during his brief stay at Turf Moor, and Dyche added: “He was well thought of.

“We loved what he did and he loved being here.

“It was just a connection that was made between us as staff and his fellow players, and the crowd.

“In a weird way, it’s just the way it was, him leaving for a new challenge, just one of those things.”