Ex-Toon Star: 'Barton Is NOT Disrespectful To His Country!'

Last updated : 11 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

But England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce is confident Barton's comments about playing for his country reflects frustration at being out injured rather than disrespect.

Pearce, a fierce patriot who represented England 78 times, managed Barton at Manchester City.

While Owen has not played a full 90 minutes for his club since playing twice for England in four days, 25-year-old Barton has suggested honours for his current club, Newcastle, would outweigh success for England.

Pearce: "Reading between the lines and in support of Joey, I would probably think he was trying to say 'I need to play for Newcastle before I can think about playing for my country'.

"When he got the call-up, he was absolutely made up. I'm sure that was the nature of his comments.

"It's a great honour to play for your country.

"It should always be there. Quite often it comes from the individual.

"I make sure that is passed on to my set of players - if you are fortunate to be called up to the seniors, take it with both hands because it is a real honour.

"You probably only realise what a real honour it is when you retire."

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Joey Barton claims he wouldn't be bothered if he never played for England again.

Barton, who caused something of a stir in the England camp when last year when he criticised the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for publishing books after their 'efforts' in the World Cup.

The Newcastle midfielder made his England debut as a substitute in the friendly against Spain in February, but claims he would be unconcerned if that remained his only cap.

And with the emergence of the likes of Gareth Barry in the England squad, he might just get his wish.

Barton told The Daily Mail: "If England comes then so be it but I've played for them once and that will do for me. I'm more interested in domestic honours.

"People get carried away about playing for their country. It's always nice to be selected and it's always a privilege and an honour but I'd much rather be successful for Newcastle than I would for England."

Barton has yet to make a competitive appearance for Newcastle since signing from Manchester City in the summer, after breaking his foot in pre-season.