Pearce hails 'grown up' Barton

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce insists reformed bad-boy Joey Barton is maturing by the day after he noticed a dramatic change in Barton's attitude over the past year.

Despite being involved in some particularly unsavoury off-field incidents, Barton is heavily tipped to win his first England call on Friday when Steve McClaren names his squad for the friendly clash with Spain on February 7.

Following Barton's goal-scoring contribution to the 3-1 FA Cup triumph over Southampton, Pearce said: "For the last year or 18 months, with every day that has gone by, the boy shows me another form of maturity, which pleases me greatly."

He added: "I don't see too many reasons why he should not get picked on Friday and I will be very proud if he does.

"England need good players and Joey is a good player who is still getting better.

"I know what it would mean to him to get selected and while it is not in my hands, I know his form for us this season has been outstanding.

"He is still a long way off being the complete article but he is enjoying his football and if he keeps putting performances in, he can go onwards and upwards."

Barton's strike, in first-half stoppage time, was a cruel blow for Southampton, who had gone in front through Kenwyne Jones, only to be pegged back within three minutes by Darius Vassell.

Once ahead, City never looked likely to surrender their advantage and DaMarcus Beasley ensured the Blues a place in the fifth round when he latched onto Richard Dunne's long punt forward and produced a neat finish.