Matt Phillips will win a call-up for Scotland if he continues to perform in the manner he has done for QPR, according to Joey Barton.

The former Blackpool man scored and set up Clint Hill and Charlie Austin in the 3-3 draw at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

The winger has seven assists in 2015, one less than Barcelona star Lionel Messi and is level with former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne.

A Scotland call-up for the end-of-season internationals appears to be looming large and Barton believes Phillips can't do much more to stake a claim.

The midfielder said: “He's playing as well as anyone in the league and he has for the last month. If he keeps playing well it'll be a matter of time before he gets in the Scottish side.

“He didn't play that much at the start of the season and every player needs to play to showcase what they're about. Matt's a fantastic talent. If he keeps doing that he can't do anymore.”

Barton is a critic of international football and it is no surprise to see him comment that he would prefer to see Phillips stay with QPR instead of going on international duty.

He added: “It'd be a big boost for him but, to be honest from a selfish point of view, I don't care what he does for them.

“I'm happy he stays with us and stays fit and I can do without him going away on international duty so hopefully Gordon avoids him for a bit longer. Maybe next season if we're safe he can call him up.”