Barton, 25, punched Jordan Spencer, then aged 16, in the face, outside McDonalds in Liverpool City Centre in the early hours of 27 December.

The teenager was left with broken teeth and Barton was sentenced to six months in jail for assault and affray.

The player was ordered to pay the boy £2,500 in compensation but a judge will consider if he should be paid more.

It is thought Jordan Spencer's legal team will argue the boy was seriously affected by the ordeal and the compensation ordered at Crown Court was not commensurate with his suffering.

The midfielder was released from prison 74 days into his six month sentence for the attack, which had happened after a night of drinking.

This is the second time in a fortnight that Barton has been told he is being sued.

Last week solicitors for Jamie Tandy, 23, confirmed he was suing Barton for allegedly wrecking his playing career after the midfielder stubbed a lit cigar in his face.

Mr Tandy was a trainee with Manchester City at the time when Barton - who was a senior player and emerging star - attacked him during the team's 2004 Christmas party.

Mr Tandy claims he suffered "major psychiatric deterioration".