The midfielder, who made a temporary switch from QPR last month, still has to serve nine more games of his 12-match ban at Marseille following his actions on the final day of last season against Manchester City.

The hefty sanction led to Barton being frozen out of the first-team at Loftus Road but Baup has been buoyed by the 30-year-old's acclimatisation to life in France.

"So far, so good. It's not normal (at the moment), because there is no match. But what is important is the competition. We'll see when he can play the games. He is very friendly, very open and smiling," Baup told Mediafoot.

"He wants to do good things with us. I've never asked the question (if he may slip up). I only think about the game and the integration of the player. I think about (in) what position he will be most useful."