SCOTT BROWN says he will get on well with Joey Barton because the Rangers midfielder is a Celtic fan.

The new Gers signing was critical of the Hoops captain recently, saying that 'he's not in my league,' but was called out for writing on Twitter in 2012 that he was a Bhoys fan.

Brown gave his response to the comments in a press conference today ahead of Celtic's International Champions cup game against Leicester City on July 23.

Read more: Joey Barton: Scott Brown isn't in my league

He said: "I've not been in his league. He's in my league.The Herald: BORN WINNER: Dougie Freedman can understand why Rangers worked so hard to land Joey Barton

"I think we'll get on really well, him being a Celtic fan. So I think we will get on great. The Rangers-Celtic games will be good."

Brown refused to admit that the jibes had fired him up, saying: "I hear that every day. It's part and parcel of football."

The Scotland midfielder believes that the upcoming Premiership season won't be a two-horse race, as he expects last year's second and third-placed teams to continue their momentum.

"I think Hearts and Aberdeen have done great in the last couple of seasons," said Brown.

"They have challenged us all the way, and I think they are going to do the same.

"I think it's going to be hard to see past Aberdeen. It's always hard and we have struggled going up there last season, so hopefully we can do a lot better this season.

"Hearts are a great team, strong and physical. But we have a new manager and a fresh start and we will show what we can do."