Joey Barton is rarely one to bite his tongue.
The man known for as many off-the-field incidents as goals, Barton’s latest comments are in support of a teammate.
[ MORE: Roy Hodgson picks England side ]
Charlie Austin has bagged six goals in ten league appearances for Queens Park Rangers, yet failed to get an England call-up from manager Roy Hodgson.
Rather, Rickie Lambert of Liverpool was named to the England side, despite failing to score this season and mainly used as a substitute.
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This angered QPR midfielder Joey Barton, who spoke out for Charlie Austin’s cause.If he keeps scoring goals that does all the talking for him. It sounds like I am going to slag Rickie Lambert off but I am not.
I just think if you’re not playing for Liverpool, who can’t really hit a cow’s a** with a banjo at the minute in terms of their frontline, and you can’t get a game for them, how do you get in the England squad?
Chas is a natural goalscorer. Saido Berahino is of a similar ilk. He just scores goals. And that’s what the game is about. It’s an art form. For him, whatever level he does it at it doesn’t faze him.”
[ RECAP: Austin tallies for QPR in 2-2 draw with Manchester City ]
For anyone that watched QPR’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, it was clear that Charlie Austin is in top form. The striker scored two goals in a matter of minutes, only to have both called back by the official. Austin finally got his goal in the 21st minute, giving the R’s a lead over the defending champions. He also scored against Chelsea on Matchday 10, although QPR lost the game 2-1.
If Austin keeps scoring goals, he will earn more and more support for an England call-up. With the way Rickie Lambert has been struggling at Anfield, he may be playing himself out of a position as much as Austin is playing into one.