Controversial Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has been backed for the Championship Player of the Year award by Leeds chief Steve Evans, according to Inside Futbol. 

He may not exactly be everyone's cup of tea, but the combative Clarets ace has been a key part of the club's continued success this season.

Since making a surprise move from Queens Park Rangers in the summer, the 33-year old former England international has made 32 appearances under Sean Dyche this term, only one of those coming off the bench.

He's chipped in with a pair of goals from the engine room, though his all-round play has done enough to convince Whites chief Evans to wax poetic over his chances of picking up the prestigious gong.

'How good has Joey Barton’s season been?', asked the Scotsman in a press conference ahead of their meeting at Turf Moor tomorrow

'I think if he is not Player of the Year in the Championship, some people should be looking at the voting papers and say if there is integrity behind our vote because he should be winning it by a distance.'

It's little surprise to see the former Manchester City and Newcastle man exerting his dominance in the English second tier, having raked up around 250 appearances in the Premier League over the course of his career.

He could well soon be adding to that tally, with his current employers current leading the way in the league, though by a small margin of a point.

Despite the praised lavished on him by the former Rotherham boss, the two will be looking to put one over on each other tomorrow as Burnley look to continue to set the pace in the race for the Promised Land.

Evans finds his side languishing in 15th after another difficult campaign at Elland Road under the erratic ownership of Massimo Cellino.

Agree with Steve? Should Barton get POTY? If not, who do you think should be crowned?  Let us know below!