Joey Barton reveals dressing-room ovation for ‘outstanding’ Bristol Rovers player

Joey Barton revealed Lewis Gordon received a round of applause from his Bristol Rovers team mates after a solid display against Plymouth Argyle.

Despite the Gas shipping two goals in which one was down Gordon's side, the ex-Brentford defender put in a terrific performance against the League One leaders.

The 21-year-old has cemented himself as the first-choice at left-back for Rovers since his arrival in mid-August. Gordon has been entrusted to start in the last eight matches for Rovers and has shown defensive qualities as well as his obvious attacking ability.

Gordon came up against Finn Azaz, a player that could have been his teammate had Rovers been successful in their pursuit of him. The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder scored with a moment of brilliance with a stupendous strike that was applauded by Barton.

"I thought he was outstanding today," said Barton when asked to assess the performance of one of his summer signings. Bali Mumba is a really good player, we knew that from the Peterborough game when he was there and he scored against us. "We knew that from the opening gambit and he (Gordon) nullified them today. Lewis was first class in everything he did.”

Gordon, who rejected Crystal Palace to play senior football in the West Country, was tenacious in how he played. He was up against Bali Mumba, who netted for Peterborough in their FA Cup win over Rovers in January. Gordon was able to stop Mumba and the obvious quality Azaz had to help his teammates.

"Even the goal, it's that side but you just have to take your hat off to Finn Azzaz' quality," Barton admitted. "The lads we spoke about that in the dressing room, the lads have given him an ovation due to quality of his performance.

"You forget that he is only 21, he's another young lad and that will do no wonders for his confidence. He's competed against the top team but also Mumba's a really good player."