Man City trounce New Castle 3-0, China's Sun shines

Updated: 2006-02-02 10:35

Pearce has harsh words for Barton

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has told midfielder Joey Barton to `shut his mouth' and start delivering on the pitch.

After his much-publicised transfer request, Barton was abused by his own supporters before the Blues' 3-0 win over Newcastle.

But a man-of-the-match display from the former England Under-21 international got most of the detractors back on his side before he was replaced 13 minutes from time.

And now Pearce has challenged Barton to forget about side issues and concentrate on producing performances to match the lofty reputation the Huyton-born star has of himself.

'I do not agree with what Joey has done,' said Pearce. 'I believe he has done totally the wrong thing and I have told him so.

'Joey has quite strong opinions, as we have seen over the last 48 hours, but he needs to put this to one side, keep his mouth shut and play football.

'In this game, I find if you put your head above the parapet, you tend to get it knocked off.

'Joey has delivered tonight but he has to keep doing it for weeks, months and years.'

'I cannot defend our recent form, it is not good enough,' Souness said.

'We are in a relegation scrap. That is a fact and I cannot deny it. But this is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, we have to stand up and show what we are made of.'

On a rotten night for the Tyneside outfit, the only slice of good news came with the imminent return of Kieron Dyer.

The pacy England international has started just two games this season after being plagued by a hamstring problem, but Souness could have him available for the must-win encounter with Portsmouth.

'We are badly lacking pace in the team at present,' said Souness. 'Kieron will give us that.'