Pearce's behind Barton

Stuart Pearce has pledged to back Joey Barton 'all the way' as the row over the Manchester City man's tackle on Pedro Mendes at Fratton Park last Saturday continues to rumble on.

No further action will be taken over the tackle because referee Mike Dean cautioned him at the time, but that has not stopped Pompey boss Harry Redknapp reigniting the debate - declaring anyone who felt Barton had accidentally trodden on Mendes' Achilles 'needed their head examining'.

"There have been times when Joey has been out of line and I have let him know that, but this is not one of them," Pearce told the Manchester Evening News.

"If Joey has done wrong, he knows that I will tell him. That is the only way people learn. But I will back him all the way in this instance."

Pearce feels Barton is now paying the price for his past misdemeanours.

The Huyton-born star, who earned his first full England cap in last week's friendly against Spain, has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons on too regular a basis in the past.

However, Pearce has been quick to praise Barton for the efforts he has made to eradicate some of the rougher edges of his character and feels the 24-year-old must be aware of those who have agendas against him.

"He now knows people are looking out for him, so he has to be doubly clever about everything he does," added Pearce. "He has to tread that line that is absolutely foolproof and let his football do the talking."