Barton deserves England chance, says Pearce

MANCHESTER CITY manager Stuart Pearce has tipped Joey Barton to earn his first England call-up later this week after the Blues midfielder helped inspire his team to a 3-1 FA Cup win over Southampton.

Steve McClaren is due to announce his squad for the February 7 friendly with Spain on Friday, with Barton widely tipped to make his debut.

And, while some pundits still have doubts over the 24-year-old’s ability to adapt to the international scene, Pearce does not share them.