Pearce backs Barton recall
11 Apr 2007 - 07:43:40
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has been backed to earn a quickfire recall to the England set-up by Citizens manager Stuart Pearce.
The 24-year-old made his international debut in the 1-0 friendly defeat by Spain, with Pearce sure that more caps will follow, following Barton's superb display in the 3-1 victory at Fulham.
He said: "I don't think it will be long before he is in Steve McClaren's thoughts again. He has just got to concentrate on doing well for us.
"One thing I would say, though, is that he is competing for a place in one of England's strongest positions. You have Lampard, Gerrard, Hargreaves and Carrick and a lot of other big hitters there where he wants to be.
"But he has incredible energy, gets up and down the field and is immune to anything. Criticism doesn't seem to bother him.
"He has grown up and matured as a man. Everybody has done silly things in their lives, but Joey is more aware of himself now.
"Every now and then he will walk into my office and apologise if he has been even a little out of line."