CLARETS legend Willie Irvine hopes Joey Barton is Burnley-bound.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Turf Moor following his release from Queens Park Rangers.

Barton’s preference is understood to be to stay in the Premier League, but after talks with West Ham broke down Nottingham Forest were believed to have registered an interest.

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But Irvine believes the 32-year-old is the type of character Sean Dyche is looking for.

“I know he has had a bit of a controversial reputation but you can’t take away his ability, and he has got plenty of that,” he said.

“We need someone in the middle of the park because we aren’t creating enough.

“I think he could get the players around him working harder and I’m sure the manager would be able to keep him under control if necessary, although I think he has calmed down a lot.

“He would certainly be up for the challenge of getting Burnley back in the Premier League.”