Soccer: Karl Henry has continued his war of words with Joey Barton by branding the Queens Park Rangers midfielder "embarrassing".

Wolves man Henry has history with Barton and a meeting with QPR on Saturday served to reignite their feud. The pair regularly clashed on the field during a 3-0 victory for Neil Warnock's men at Molineux and their spat has continued long after the final whistle.

Barton hit out at Henry via Twitter after the game, labelling his rival 'a Sunday league player' and 'a mug'.

He was then a guest on Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday and went on to claim that Henry is "always sticking his foot in and trying to hurt people" and is only "out to make a name for himself".

Henry wasted no time in hitting back, with the Wolves midfielder of the opinion that Barton will never change his ways.

He said: "Joey Barton was telling everyone he is on 80-grand a week as usual. That is him. He always does that during the game. Always. He riles a few people up when he says those things and tells everybody how great he is.

"It is just embarrassing really. If that is what he wants to do, he can carry on doing it but that is why a lot of people dislike him."

Henry added: "He has tried to reinvent his image but it is probably the same old story. I know we had our battle last season. I don't want to keep going over it. But (on Saturday) they were winning the match. There was no need for him to keep going on the way he does."

And manager Mick McCarthy has rallied behind Henry.

McCarthy was determined not to respond to Barton's comments but was quick to back former captain Henry.

The former Republic of Ireland manager said: "Karl is one of the best pros I've ever worked with in terms of his attitude and conscientiousness to his profession.

"He has earned himself the right to play in the Premier League by his guts and determination and made himself a better player. I've got nothing but admiration for him and never, ever, has he gone out to hurt anyone. In defence of my player, who has been with me for five years, I'd hang my hat on him all day long. He is a great guy."

McCarthy also dismissed Barton's claims that Henry is a "Sunday League player".

He said: "Not unless Wolves are in the Dog and Duck League! He is a Premier League player. He captained us to the Championship, and has been instrumental in our success over the last five years."