Hughes believes skipper’s work-rate and energy in midfield is crucial to their survival chances
Mark Hughes insists he is happy with the form of skipper Joey Barton.
Barton’s performances have come under scrutiny in recent weeks as Rangers midfield has come off second best in a number of games, particularly in the home defeats to Wolves and Fulham.
Hughes admits the skipper blows hot and cold, but is pleased with Bartons all-round contribution.
“Joey is doing fine in terms of his work-rate and his energy and has topped the pile in terms of his fitness stats, so he’s the guy whose energy is giving a lot to the team,” Hughes told London24.com.
“Joey is his own worst critic, I would say that maybe in some games he has not had as much influence as he would have liked, but in others he has been very prominent.
“I haven’t got a problem with the way Joey is playing at the moment. It’s important that we keep his energy in the team, and his form will come and go, and that happens in football.”
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