Fleetwood Town's psychotherapist Steve Pope has said that he is looking forward to the challenge of working with Joey Barton.

The 29-year-old will be training with the League Two side during his 12-match suspension in the Premier League.

Pope said that he encounters people with all sorts of problems, and he has a proven success rate in reducing the amount of red cards players receive.

"I deal with addictive personalities whether it's is a young man driven to sleep with 500 different women or those with stress and anger management problems," said Pope. "I try and match mental strength with on the field skills.

"Everyday factors can affect a players' performance. I have had success reducing players' red cards.

"I do one to one sessions and group sessions and whatever Joey needs or what the manager thinks he needs I will be there for him."

Barton received the ban following his meltdown against Manchester City on the final day of last season.