Burnley boss Sean Dyche has reiterated the strong working relationship he enjoyed with Joey Barton last season but carefully swerved the possibility of handing the controversial midfielder a Premier League lifeline.
Barton played a key role in helping the Clarets win promotion from the Championship, winning the club's player of the year award, before opting for a move to Rangers in the summer.
That experience has not proved a success so far, with the 34-year-old currently serving a three-week ban following an alleged altercation with team-mate Andy Halliday in the aftermath of a 5-1 Old Firm defeat by Celtic.