Stuff England - Barton in rant over Owen's fitness row - Sport

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In a week when Michael Owen defied his Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce to join up with the national team for the Euro 2008 qualifiers just days after an operation on his groin, Barton brazenly declared that he is not interested in international football.

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On the Tyne for trophies: Joey Barton

Barton won his first — and probably last — England cap during the defeat by Spain at Old Trafford last February but the 25-year-old's outspoken views will irritate his Newcastle team-mate.

The controversial midfielder, who has yet to play for Newcastle after fracturing a metatarsal in pre-season, said: "If England comes then so be it but I've played for them once and that will do for me. I'm more interested in domestic honours.

"People get carried away about playing for their country. It's always nice to be selected and it's always a privilege and an honour but I'd much rather be successful for Newcastle than I would for England."

Barton's chances of ever earning an England recall could well evaporate following his latest extraordinary outburst.

The former Manchester City midfielder criticised Frank Lampard following his poor performance at the 2006 World Cup and he was given a frosty reception when he was called into Steve McClaren's squad for the first time in February.