Originally Posted by
geysir
Unlike ye lot, I keep an open mind and being a wise man I do not take the IFA's word as gospel.
There is nothing in that article directly quoting Barton.
The article is maybe a fair representation of how the IFA see it but it is not a representation of Barton's own opinions.
Who knows why he turned up to join the IFA squad, maybe Worthington invited him to the IFA set up and Barton being a polite lad accepted, but always knowing that he did not have to do that for rest of time, i.e. what exists in his international career.
I wouldn't condemn a teenager for life, for making a mistake. I'd be of a similar opinion to Yard of Pace on this matter.