O'Neill and Pearce set for latest public spat
Martin O'Neill is on a collision course with Stuart Pearce - again.
Aston Villa's boss is unhappy with the England Under-21 coach and plans to formalise his public complaint about Pearce's treatment of Craig Gardner.
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Public complaint: Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is unhappy with England Under 21-coach Stuart Pearce
The youngster was substituted at half-time during the friendly stalemate with Poland last week. But O'Neill is unhappy because his player informed England's bench that he had picked up a thigh muscle injury early on.
However, he remained on the pitch until half-time when he was withdrawn.
O'Neill now wants to speak to Pearce about the incident. It is not the first time the two have clashed.
Pearce was fuming last summer when confusion over Gabriel Agbonlahor's availability led to the striker missing out on the European Championship finals.
The forward missed the opportunity to enhance his reputation as England suffered the heartache of a penalty shoot-out defeat in the semi-final. This time the boot is on the other foot.
O'Neill said: "Obviously we have missed Craig here for a few games. He has been pretty heavily involved in the Under-21s. He's semi-proved himself if that is the case.
"The lad is as willing as the day is long. He misses now very important games for us and he could be missing for a month. I will speak to Stuart about it. Yes, I shall."
