Joey Barton: 'Steven Fletcher won't play at Marseille'

Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has suggested that Steven Fletcher will find game time hard to come by during his loan stint at Marseille.

The striker completed a switch to the Ligue 1 side on Monday night, effectively ending his time at Sunderland, where he has just six months remaining on his contract.

Barton, who spent the 2012-13 season on loan at Marseille while with Queens Park Rangers, had some words of advice for Fletcher as he prepares for life in the south of France.

"They want you to work hard, work for the shirt," Barton told BBC Radio 5 live. "Steven's going into a really young side, a side that doesn't really have the full support of the fans, who are a little bit iffy with the coach.

"Also I don't think he's going to play. They play 4-2-3-1 and Batshuayi is the No.9 - he's been linked with the Premier League - and is the next big money-move away from the club.

"So, I don't think he'll play. But he'll have a great opportunity to prove himself and the club will give him the opportunity to do that."

Barton made 25 league appearances during his time with Marseille.