Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has no problem recommending Joey Barton for England.
Playing like he is, Barton should be in the next England squad, says the new Toon gaffer.
"Joey is still a great age, so you would like to think he has three or four years of quality play in him," he told the Sunday Sun.
"And, looking at some of the players who are playing for England, there is no problem in Joey Barton playing for England.
"With the form that he is in, and when he is fit and well and when he is confident like he is at the moment, he should be involved.
"Does his reputation go against him? Well, that is the side of him that people - referees to a degree sometimes - look at and it makes it difficult for him.
"I know he tries very hard and has tried and improved considerably in that area.
"But honestly, it would still be a concern and I think Joey is aware of that.
"He is trying to taper his mentality but his winning mentality is such that he sometimes oversteps the mark."
