Joey Barton has taken time out from his busy schedule to reflect on a successful weekend of fighting and losing at home to non-league sides.

The Burnley midfielder further underlined his status as a reformed nutter by head-butting a Lincoln City player’s arm and diving to the turf.

Barton’s attempts to get in the heads of his non-league opponents backfired as a late Imps goal from a set piece booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

There they will face either Sutton or Arsenal, with Barton left to look back with satisfaction on his weekend’s work.

Speaking exclusively to Football Burp, Barton said: “I think it showed everyone that, even if I’m not playing well, I’ve still got the ability to go around thumping people and stirring up s***.

“All in all I’d say I’ve done my chances of being England captain no harm, nor my chances of fronting a reformed line-up of The Smiths should Morrissey refuse.

“I read philosophy, softlad, so don’t you f*** with me.”