International contender Barton focused on City

Joey Barton is refusing to let the possibility of an England call deflect his focus away from Manchester City.

Less than a month ago, Barton was being booed by his own fans after slapping in a transfer request following the breakdown of contract talks.

Since then, the 23-year-old has proved his worth on the field, capping a series of fine performances by netting a superb goal in the home win over Charlton.

Although the Huyton-born midfielder remains only an outside bet at best to make Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup squad, his name has appeared in the frame following the horrific injury which will rule Alan Smith out for the remainder of the campaign.

Eriksson is due to name his squad this weekend for Wednesday’s friendly with Uruguay at Anfield.

But, while Barton would welcome the opportunity to represent his country with open arms, he does not want to think about anything but Sunday’s Barclays Premiership tussle against Liverpool on the same ground.

“I am like everyone else, I would love to play for my country,” he told www.skysports.com.

“If it happens I would be delighted and it would be a real bonus to make the squad.

“I am happy to be mentioned as possibly making the England squad but I am really concentrating on my game at City.”

Barton’s international claims are given further credence because Eriksson’s assistant Steve McClaren tried to land the combative star on transfer deadline day.

That move failed, since when Barton has indicated a willingness to advance talks with City which may lead to him committing his future to the club beyond the remaining 16 months of his contract.

Both parties are hoping to conduct negotiations in a less public manner than has happened in the past, although there is no doubt a place in next season’s UEFA Cup would provide Barton with ample proof City are moving in the right direction.

Victory over Liverpool would enhance those claims, although City would need to improve on a chronic recent away record that has seen them pick up just four points from their last five games on their travels.

However, Stuart Pearce’s men are aided by Liverpool’s recent draining schedule, which saw them face Arsenal, Manchester United and Benfica in the space of a week, while experienced defensive duo Danny Mills and Ben Thatcher could be back after coming through a 90-minute reserve team run-out against Blackburn last night.