Rovers out for City's Barton

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton will be forced to sit out the Blues’ Premiership encounter with Blackburn on November 19.

The former England Under-21 international picked up his fifth booking in six games during Saturday's defeat at Fulham, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.

It is disappointing news for City boss Stuart Pearce, although with Claudio Reyna expected to be fit to face in-form Rovers, the damage may not be quite as bad as it could have been.

“Tackling is a big part of Joey’s game and it is up to him and us to make sure the aggression is controlled,” Pearce told the Manchester Evening News.

Pearce is hoping a two-day bonding trip to the Peak District will help boost morale in the City camp following one of the worst displays of his time in charge.

The former England captain was particularly upset with his side’s first-half showing, claiming his side were outfought physically and mentally.

The one bright spot was the performance of young winger Lee Croft, who netted his first senior goal for the Blues.

“It was fantastic to get off the mark,” he said. “Coaches with England and City have always said I don’t get as many goals as I should for the type of player I am.”