Ex-Rangers midfielder Joey Barton explains why he signed former Celtic winger for Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has hailed former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair after he signed a short-term deal with the club.

The 33-year-old has rejoined the club that he began his professional career at 17-years-ago. He will play for Rovers until at least January, providing vital experience to an otherwise youthful squad.

Sinclair was without a club after being released by Preston North End and had trained with Chelsea last month in a bid to improve his fitness as he searched for a new team. He held preliminary discussions with the Gas boss but talks had seemed to have faltered out but a move has since been resresurrected. Sinclair trained with Rovers last week and has done enough to earn a deal with the League One club.

He returns to the Mem with over 510 appearances in the game with 132 goals and 55 assists with a majority coming in the Championship or the Scottish Premiership. The Swansea City promotion hero also made over 100 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and six assists. At Celtic he had the experience of playing in the Champions League and the Europa League in what has been a glittering career for the ERovers academy product.

"We are delighted to have brought Scott into the group," said Barton after Sinclair's arrival. He has been training with us for a couple of weeks now.

"We're enjoying having him in with us. He's a fit lad, his experience and quality is superb and he will strengthen us further as we move into these winter months."

Barton and Sinclair have crossed paths before but this is the first time they will work together. The two were once fierce rivals when Barton was playing for Rangers, the blue side of Glasgow. Sinclair was at an all-conquering Celtic side managed by now Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Sinclair was the most successful out of the two in Scotland, winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup three times. Barton's time at Rangers was short and in total he made just eight appearances before rejoining Burnley, where he ended his playing career.