Pearce hails 'grown up' Barton
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce insists reformed bad-boy Joey Barton is maturing by the day.
Despite being involved in some particularly unsavoury off-field incidents, Barton is heavily tipped to win his first England call on Friday when Steve McClaren names his squad for the friendly clash with Spain on February 7.
Barton did his chances of being picked no harm at all with a goal-scoring contribution to Manchester City’s 3-1 FA Cup triumph over Southampton at Eastlands yesterday.
In championing the 24-year-old’s international claims, Pearce revealed he has noticed a dramatic change in Barton’s attitude over the past year.
“For the last year or 18 months, with every day that has gone by, the boy shows me another form of maturity, which pleases me greatly,” said Pearce.
“I don’t see too many reasons why he should not get picked on Friday and I will be very proud if he does.
“England need good players and Joey is a good player who is still getting better.
“I know what it would mean to him to get selected and while it is not in my hands, I know his form for us this season has been outstanding.
“He is still a long way off being the complete article but he is enjoying his football and if he keeps putting performances in, he can go onwards and upwards.”
Barton’s strike, in first-half stoppage time, was a cruel blow for Southampton, who had gone in front through Kenwyne Jones, only to be pegged back within three minutes by Darius Vassell.
Once ahead, City never looked likely to surrender their advantage and DaMarcus Beasley ensured the Blues a place in the fifth round when he latched onto Richard Dunne’s long punt forward and produced a neat finish.
Although naturally disappointed to tumble out of the competition, Saints boss George Burley admitted his own work will be judged on whether he can get the south coast club out of the Coca-Cola Championship.
Their chances may depend on whether they can keep hold of £10m (€15.2m)-rated defender Gareth Bale, who continues to be courted by Tottenham and Manchester United.
Alex Ferguson dispatched coaching duo Carlos Queiroz and Mike Phelan across Manchester to watch the 17-year-old in action on Sunday.
They were rewarded with a relatively quiet performance, although the youngster did produce one moment of magic, forcing a good save out of Weaver in the final minute.
“Gareth will be at our club until the end of the season and hopefully beyond that,” Burley said.
“Enough has been said about him already. He is only 17 and games like today’s are only a great experience for him.”
