Pearce: Micah not a hot-head

Stuart Pearce has defended Micah Richards against charges the 18-year-old is a hot-head.

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has defended Micah Richards against charges the England international is a hot-head.

Richards threw Sheffield Wednesday opponent Glenn Whelan to the ground in the first half of City's 1-1 draw at Hillsborough in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Richards was perhaps fortunate to receive only a yellow card from referee Graham Poll for the incident, and it has led to claims the player lacks discipline.

But Pearce, who himself had occasional flashpoints during an often fiery playing career, is adamant that Richards can keep his temper in check.

"He is not a hot-head, he is a very sensible, calm lad," insisted Pearce.

Pearce did have to impart some words of wisdom on Richards.

"Whenever you get a player booked it's my job to defuse the situation and make sure they concentrate on their job," added Pearce.