Adam Barton (footballer)
Adam James Barton (born 7 January 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Curzon Ashton. Born in England, he has played internationally for both Northern Ireland, in a senior friendly, and Republic of Ireland at under-21 level. Club career Preston North End Born in Clitheroe, Barton started in the youth ranks at Blackburn Rovers before being released at the age of sixteen due to a serious back injury. Although originally seen as a gamble due to his injury, Preston North End gave Barton a youth scholarship and his performances at youth and reserve team level earned him a two-and-a-half-year contract in December 2008. In the 2009–10 season, Barton moved to Conference National side Crawley Town on a one-month loan. After making two appearances for the club he returned to Preston, where he made an appearance in the club's reserve side. Due to manager Darren Ferguson starting to use youngsters in the first team, Barton made his full debut in a home 3–2 win over Scunthorpe United on 10 April 2010, being replaced at half-time due to a head injury. At the start of the 2010–11 season, Barton signed a two-year contract to keep him at