Neil Warnock plays down Joey Barton situation

Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock has played down the focus on Joey Barton ahead of his side's match against Newcastle United.

The midfielder moved from St. James' Park to Loftus Road over the summer after criticising the Newcastle board's transfer policy on Twitter.

The 29-year-old could make his QPR debut against his former club, but Warnock was quick to be measured in his comments.

"I think Newcastle is a great club, and the club is bigger than Joey Barton and the game is bigger than any individual.

"Both clubs have moved on and you have to stick by your decisions. They've not spent £100million like everybody wants them to but they've got good players in."

The London club currently sit 15th in the league, while Newcastle occupy sixth.