Joey Barton believes lower-half Premier League clubs should have come calling for his services this summer.

The 32-year-old midfielder left QPR at the end of last season after the West London club was relegated to the Championship.

Barton expected to join another to flight club during the recent transfer window but ended up signing with tier two outfit Burnley, despite the fact he is still Premier League quality.

"The reason I left QPR was to play in the Premier League," he said.

"I felt I did well enough last year in a struggling side to earn another crack in that league. I think my passing ability is good enough to cope in that league. My physical output is good enough.

"That gets lost with me from time to time because people start worrying about the baggage and how you'll contribute to the group and how you'll react if you're not playing, which is lazy on their behalf. That's how I see it.

"I think if you're a Premier League club, anyone from 10th downwards, and you had the opportunity to take me on a free transfer it's an absolute no-brainer."