Joey Barton makes Ashley Cole comparisons as Chelsea starlet lights up Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has recently compared a young Chelsea star on loan at the Gas to former England and Premier League legend Ashley Cole.

Harvey Vale’s start to life at Rovers has got off to a strange start many Gas fans would suggest.

The youngster has had much experience at youth level playing in forward positions on both the left and right side of midfield as well as an attacking midfielder.

Recently however, Vale has been tasked with playing at left fullback and Barton has been most impressed with the youngster’s adaptation.

“The two games he’s played in there from the start I think he’s looked like a young Ashley Cole, he looks like he’s played there forever,” said Barton on BBC Radio Bristol.

“He’s a footballer who is high on football IQ, he’s got a great passing range, he can run, decent in the air.”

The loanee has made seven League One appearances for Rovers this season, scoring one goal which was against Wycombe Wanderers back in August.

With three league starts in a row for the Gas, the 20-year old has started to establish himself as a main stay on the left-handside of defence.

“The most pleasing thing for me if I’m honest is his attitude,” said Barton.

“These lads coming from these Premier League clubs and they think they’ve got a divine right to start in your team and that it is going be dead easy.

“He gets an opportunity in the EFL trophy and does really well.”

Up next for Rovers is a tough trip to Oxford United on Saturday. The U’s currently sit second the in the League One table and Vale will certainly have his work cut out against Saturday’s hosts.

Last time out at the Kassam Stadium, Rovers ran out 3-0 winners and Barton will be hoping for much of the same again come Saturday.