Pearce delighted with Barton pledge
Afp, Manchester
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce said Joey Barton was a future England international after the midfielder vowed to stay with the club following their 2-1 FA Cup third round replay victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Eastlands here Tuesday. City's Premiership rivals Everton -- based in Barton's home city of Liverpool -- have expressed an interest in signing the player during this month's transfer window and seeing him make the short journey back across the north-west. Nevertheless, Barton re-iterated his commitment to City following the win against Wednesday and Pearce said: "There is a maturity in that statement that probably wasn't there last year. "Credit to him for speaking out. He has got frustrated and irritated with the speculation. "The main thing as a pro is being happy. All the rest follows. "I thought he was outstanding with his energy, his drive. He has created the first goal for us. He is playing extremely well and I mentioned England before Christmas. "He is getting better and better. Joey knows full well he has the backing of a manager that holds him in high esteem," former England full-back Pearce added. Barton earlier told Sky Sports: "I do not want to leave this club. We play good football here. I am happy and we are going in the right direction. "People are trying to unsettle me but things are moving forward at City and I have a manager who believes in me. I am very settled." Barton provided the first goal for Stephen Ireland only for Lee Bullen to equalise before England forward Darius Vassell scored the winner to set up a home tie with Southampton, who liked Wednesday play their football in the second-tier Championship. "It was a very open game," said Pearce. "There wasn't much between the two sides. We are delighted to be through to the next round." Wednesday boss Brian Laws, who played alongside Pearce at Nottingham Forest, added: "It was fantastic to watch, particularly the second half which was end-to-end. "The excitement of the FA Cup still remains, that is clear. "Of course I am disappointed we have not gone through but if I am going to lose to anyone I don't mind losing to Stuart Pearce. "The difference between the Championship and the Premiership is you have to be clinical in front of goal -- and it was that way tonight (Tuesday)."
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