MICHAEL Duff believes Joey Barton can play an influential role in Burnley’s Premier League season if he remains at Turf Moor, but has backed the club to cope if he does leave the Clarets.

The 33-year-old is considering a two-year contract offer from Glasgow giants Rangers, while he has also been offered a deal to extend his stay at Turf Moor.

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Barton took a look around Rangers’ Murray Park training ground last Saturday and boss Mark Warburton is keen to recruit him for the Ibrox side’s return to the Scottish Premiership.

Duff has now hung up his boots to take up a coaching role in the academy at Burnley, and he hopes Barton will remain a Claret.

The 38-year-old has spoken to the midfielder, but he is leaving the former Manchester City and Newcastle man to make up his own mind over his future.

“He didn’t make it common knowledge, as soon as the season finishes the lads all disappear,” said Duff, who played his last game for Burnley at Charlton on the final day.

“I’ve had a couple of texts with him but I’ve not asked him about that, it’s completely up to him. He’s out of contract so he is entitled to speak to who he wants.”

After Burnley secured promotion against Queens Park Rangers Barton insisted he wanted to remain at Turf Moor, but was keen for more than the one-year deal that was on the table at that point.

He was voted the fans’ player of the season after helping Burnley to the Championship title, and Duff was full of praise for the influence he had on the side.

“It will be good if he stays because of his personality in the dressing room and influence on the pitch,” said Duff.

“If he stays it’s great. If he doesn’t you move on to pastures new, footballers come and go. He’s been influential, on and off the pitch.”

Rangers remain confident of securing a deal for Barton, who is expected to make up his mind on his future in the next few days.

Clarets chief Sean Dyche has told him he can have ‘as long as he needs’ to consider Burnley’s contract offer.

And while Duff is keen to see Barton stay, he has backed the club to cope either way.

“The club have offered him a contract, they’ve made it clear they want him to stay, but it’s up to Joey,” he added.

“It’s pretty obvious he’s pretty single minded so he’ll do what he thinks is right and the club will do deal with it.

“If he goes we replace him if he doesn’t great.”