QPR firebrand Joey Barton has reportedly skipped a coaching course to play golf!

The People says Barton has applied for a place on an Irish FA course to do his UEFA B licence.

An Irish FA spokesman confirmed QPR captain Barton had been due to join its course. He said: "Joey... was ready to enroll. But we learned recently that he would not be coming."

It is understood that the player is in Portugal playing golf.