Pearce defends Barton remarks

Stuart Pearce has defended Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton over his comments about playing for England.

Former City boss backing midfielder

Stuart Pearce has defended Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton for saying that 'people get carried away about playing for their country'.

England Under-21 boss Pearce was in charge at Manchester City last season when Barton earned his first, and as yet only, England cap, and insists the player was delighted to get the call.

Barton has yet to make a full appearance for Newcastle due to injury problems, and Pearce believes that his comments came from his frustration at not being able to help his club.

"Reading between the lines and in support of Joey, I would probably think he was trying to say 'I need to play for Newcastle before I can think about playing for my country'," he said.

"When he got the call-up, he was absolutely made up. I'm sure that was the nature of his comments."

Great honour

Pearce has always held the idea of representing England in the highest regard, but he believes it is not until your career is over that you truly appreciate it.

"It's a great honour to play for your country. It should always be there. Quite often it comes from the individual.

"I make sure that is passed on to my set of players - if you are fortunate to be called up to the seniors, take it with both hands because it is a real honour.

"You probably only realise what a real honour it is when you retire."