Micky Mellon has highlighted the positive influence Joey Barton has had on his Fleetwood squad's pre-season.
Barton is training with the Cod Army after QPR opted not to select the midfielder for their pre-season tour of Malaysia.
Mellon revealed the one-time England international has made an immediate impact after Barton played 45 minutes in a friendly win over Kilmarnock following a week's training.
Barton could now feature in Fleetwood's next friendly against Tranmere on Saturday.
Mellon told the Blackpool Gazette: "He has been a real, positive influence on the group. You can see that everyone wants to get to his high standards."
He added: "I am led to believe Joey could play for us on Saturday and until somebody tells me the opposite he is allowed to play."
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